Overview
Title
Revocation of Alaskan Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155 and Amendment of Jet Route J-115 in Alaska
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA decided to stop using two special airplane paths in Alaska and make changes to another one because a tool called the Chandalar Lake Nondirectional Radio Beacon is being turned off. They want to make sure that planes can still fly safely and smoothly.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to revoke two Alaskan air routes, known as Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155, and to amend Jet Route J-115. This change is a result of the removal of the Chandalar Lake Nondirectional Radio Beacon in Alaska. The altered air traffic service routes are designed to maintain safety and efficiency as part of the National Airspace System. These changes will take effect on June 12, 2025.
Abstract
This action revokes Alaskan Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-447 and Jet Route J-155 and amends Jet Route J-115 in Alaska. These actions are due to the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) in Alaska.
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AnalysisAI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new rule that involves revoking two specific air routes in Alaska and amending one existing route. The affected routes are the Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) Federal Airway V-447, Jet Route J-155, and Jet Route J-115. This change is primarily due to the decommissioning of the Chandalar Lake Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB), which was an essential navigational aid for these routes. By eliminating these routes, the FAA aims to enhance airspace efficiency and safety.
Summary of the Action
This document outlines the FAA's decision to revoke and amend specific aviation routes in Alaska as a result of the Chandalar Lake NDB's decommissioning. Specifically, airways V-447 and J-155 will be removed entirely. Jet Route J-115 will undergo changes to its path, now running between various navigational waypoints in Alaska. These adjustments are scheduled to become effective on June 12, 2025.
Issues and Concerns
One notable issue with the document is the absence of a detailed rationale for decommissioning the Chandalar Lake NDB. Stakeholders and airlines that previously relied on this beacon might seek a clearer explanation for its removal. Additionally, the document lacks information on potential costs associated with these changes and how the removal of certain routes will affect travel logistics or increase operational costs for airlines and airspace users.
Another concern relates to the lack of public engagement, as no comments were received during the proposal stage. This raises questions about whether adequate outreach and consultation with relevant stakeholders were conducted. The technical nature of the document also poses challenges to lay readers, potentially hindering broader public understanding.
Impacts on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, particularly individuals with a vested interest in Alaskan air travel, the document signifies adjustments in air travel routes that could influence flight paths and travel times. However, for many passengers, these changes might go unnoticed and do not likely impact the consumer experience significantly.
For specific stakeholders such as airlines and pilots who operate in these regions, the rule could lead to necessary adaptations in flight operations. Adjustments required by the removal of the airways and the amendment of Jet Route J-115 might compel them to invest in evaluating alternative routes or modifying existing flight plans to ensure continued safety and efficiency.
Ultimately, while the changes initiated by this rule aim to uphold safety and efficiency in the National Airspace System, it is essential for the FAA to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed and prepared to adapt to these changes without undue disruption or burden.
Issues
• The document does not specify any potential costs associated with the removal and amendment of these airways and jet routes, which could affect airlines and users who rely on these routes.
• There is no detailed explanation or justification provided for why the Chandalar Lake Nondirectional Radio Beacon (NDB) is being decommissioned, which might cause concern or require further clarification for stakeholders.
• The document lacks information on potential impacts or alternate routes for flights previously utilizing the revoked V-447 and J-155 routes, which could leave affected parties without necessary guidance.
• The language used in describing the amendments and technical aspects of air traffic regulations may be difficult for a layperson to understand, potentially reducing overall transparency.
• No comments were received during the proposal stage, which raises the question of whether adequate outreach and engagement with stakeholders took place prior to finalizing the rule.