VFR waypoints to be added to sectional charts
VFR waypoints will soon be added to some sectional charts, thanks to an effort initiated by AOPA and the Air Safety Foundation.
AOPA recently hosted a meeting of the government-industry VFR Waypoints Working Group at AOPA headquarters. During that meeting, the FAA said it would be adding VFR waypoints to sectional charts covering the Gulf coast of Louisiana and Florida and Florida's Atlantic coast. The waypoints will help pilots identify and navigate around Class B and C airspace. The waypoints, which will be added to GPS databases, will also be used to help pilots identify the boundaries of restricted areas and military operations areas (MOAs).
The new Kansas City Terminal Area Chart, which will be issued later this month, will also include VFR waypoints.
Meanwhile, the FAA is working on AOPA's request to use VFR waypoints to identify the beginning and end of VFR routes through mountain passes.
In 1998, AOPA formally asked the FAA to add VFR waypoints to charts. The association chairs the working group that is now implementing VFR waypoint charting.
"AOPA would like to acknowledge the FAA staff and managers who have supported the VFR waypoints initiative," said Dennis Roberts, AOPA vice president and executive director of government and technical affairs. "Many times they've reached 'outside the box' for creative ways to develop a VFR waypoint program that will increase safety and help pilots avoid airspace incursions."
00-4-057x
November 9, 2000
