AOPA will submit formal comments on an FAA proposal to modify several airways in the Southwest and establish RNAV routes (T-routes) in connection with the scheduled decommissioning this fall of the Cochise, Ariz., vortac.
The FAA has proposed to modify airways V-16, V-66, and V-202, and establish T-306 and T-310, providing continuity of the affected routes and expanded availability of RNAV, it said.
On V-66, the planned increase in available altitudes provided by the modifications would give general aviation flights improved access to routing options.
The portion of V-16 that currently extends from Tucson, Ariz., to Cochise, to Columbus, N.M., would be realigned to proceed from Tucson to San Simon, Ariz., and then to Columbus, with the remainder of the route unchanged.
The portion of V-202 that extends between Tucson, Cochise, and San Simon would be deleted. The modified airway would begin at San Simon. Separately, the FAA proposes to establish RNAV route T-310 between Tucson and Truth or Consequences, N.M. The route would overlie the track of the deleted section of V-202 and provide an alternate means of navigation along the route segment.
AOPA is reviewing the proposal and will submit formal comments to the FAA by June 7.
Members are encouraged to review the two proposals and submit comments online about their impact by June 7. Please cite FAA docket numbers FAA-2012-0287, and FAA-2012-0286 and share your comments with AOPA.