Section
24. Route Test
17-24-1. PURPOSE
This section
describes
policies and
guidelines for
conducting and
evaluating route
tests.
17-24-2. DEFINITION
a. Route
test - a process
established for
the purpose of:
1. Assessing
new routing
concepts.
2. Exploring
alternative
routing
possibilities.
3. Developing
new routes to
enhance system
efficiency and
safety.
b. Route
test will:
1. Last
for a
pre-determined
length of time,
usually 90 days.
2. Include,
but not be
limited to, the
following NAS
elements:
(a) NRS
waypoints.
(b) RNAV
waypoints.
(c) NAVAIDs.
(d) Departure
Procedures (DP).
(e) Standard
Terminal Arrival
Routes (STAR).
17-24-3. POLICY
Route tests must
be conducted
only after
collaboration
and coordination
between the
ATCSCC, affected
en route and
terminal
facilities, and
stakeholders.
Route tests will
include existing
certified NAS
elements. The
ATCSCC is the
final approval
authority for
all route tests.
17-24-4. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. The
requesting
facility must:
1. Ensure
coordination is
accomplished
with all
affected FAA
facilities and
stakeholders.
2. Submit
a formal letter,
in memorandum
format, to the
ATCSCC
Procedures
Office,
through
the regional
MTO. The
memorandum must
include:
(a) Detailed
summary of the
route test being
requested and
the anticipated
results.
(b) List
of affected FAA
facilities and
stakeholders
with which
coordination has
been completed.
(c) Length
of time for
which the route
test will be in
effect, not to
exceed 180 days.
(d) Detailed
summary of the
possible impact
to the NAS,
surrounding
facilities, and
stakeholders.
3. Perform
an air traffic
safety analysis
in accordance
with FAA Order
1100.161, Air
Traffic Safety
Oversight.
4. After
the above items
have been
completed and
the test
approved,
conduct the test
as requested.
5. Determine
if the route
test timeframe
is adequate. A
facility may be
granted an
extension of up
to 90 days with
the approval of
the ATCSCC.
Submit requests
for extension
through the MTO
to the ATCSCC
Procedures
Office, with
supporting
documentation.
Facilities
requesting
extensions
exceeding 180
days must review
and comply with
FAA Order
1050.1, Policies
and Procedures
Considering
Environmental
Impacts, to
ensure
environmental
studies are
completed.
Include the
studies with
your request.
6. Within
30 days of
completion of
the test:
(a) Conduct
a review and
analysis with
the stakeholders
and accept
comments.
(b) Determine
if the proposed
route is viable
or if other
alternatives
should be
explored.
(c) Document
test results and
prepare a
post-test report
in accordance
with Air Traffic
Safety Analysis
and with FAA
Order 1100.161,
Air Traffic
Safety
Oversight.
7. If
the route is
determined to be
beneficial,
initiate
implementation
and have the
route published
in appropriate
charts,
databases,
letters of
agreement, and
any other
appropriate FAA
publications.
b. The
ATCSCC must:
1. Review
the route test
memorandum and
approve the test
or provide
justification
for disapproval.
2. Review
and approve
requests for
test extensions
or provide
justification
for disapproval.
3. Issue
any necessary
traffic
management
advisories.
4. Be
the approving
authority for
any TMIs
requested in
association with
the route test.
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