The FAA has published a final rule modifying several airways in the Southwest and establishing RNAV routes (T-routes) in connection with the scheduled fall decommissioning of the Cochise, Ariz., Vortac.
The rule, which takes effect July 26, modifies V-16, V-66, and V-202, and establishes T-306 and T-310 to provide continuity of the affected routes and expanded RNAV availability, as AOPA reported April 26.
On V-66, an increase in available altitudes will 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., will 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 will be deleted, with the modified airway beginning at San Simon.
The FAA also will establish RNAV route T-310 between Tucson and Truth or Consequences, N.M., The route will overlie the track of the deleted section of V-202 and provide an alternate means of navigation along the route s.
AOPA supports T-routes being made available to provide pilots with more direct routing, lower en route altitudes, and avoidance of special-use airspace.
