The FAA has withdrawn a proposal to decommission the Crimson VORTAC (LDK) in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
In comments submitted to the FAA, AOPA had strongly opposed shutting down the navaid, which is used for numerous instrument procedures and by pilots flying VFR. Eliminating the VOR would have reduced GA access to the National Airspace System in the area, the association said.
In a March 2011 aeronautical study, the FAA proposed to “decommission and remove without replacement” the navaid that is used for seven instrument approach procedures, one standard instrument departure, four Victor airways, five holding patterns, 23 airway fixes, and three airports.
On May 17 the FAA withdraw the decommissioning plan, noting that the VOR, which it described as the only ground-based navaid suitable for navigation in a nonradar environment, was a “good performer.” The FAA’s memo withdrawing the shutdown plan also said that a land lease for the VOR site had been renewed.
