Section 3. VFR Flyway Planning Chart Program

  1. POLICY
  1. VFR Flyway Planning Charts are developed to assist pilots operating VFR near or under Class B airspace. VFR Flyways are general flight paths that are not defined with specific course or altitude criteria. VFR Flyways must avoid airspace and routes that require ATC contact and/or an ATC clearance. Where available, VFR Flyway Planning Charts are published on the reverse side of the Terminal Area Chart.
  2. Pilot adherence to VFR Flyways and recommended altitudes associated with them is voluntary. VFR Flyway Planning Charts may include recommended altitudes, suggested direction of flight, prominent VFR checkpoints/waypoints, reference ground objects that can be readily identified from the air, and other pertinent information. An ATC clearance is NOT required to fly these routes.
  1. CRITERIA

Use the following criteria to establish VFR Flyway Planning Charts:

  1. VFR Flyway Path: To the maximum extent practicable, the recommended flight paths used to describe VFR Flyways must reference ground objects that can be readily identified from the air. If necessary, and if an operational benefit can be derived, NAVAID or VFR checkpoint/waypoint references may be used.
  2. VFR Flyway Altitudes: Each segment of a VFR Flyway should contain recommended altitudes.
  1. Recommended altitudes must avoid airspace requiring prior authorization or clearance to enter.
  2. Care should be exercised to avoid recommending altitudes which could cause the aircraft on a VFR Flyway to encounter inflight wake turbulence generated by large, heavy, or super aircraft.
  3. When altitude changes are required, they should be based on a descent rate of 250-350 feet per nautical mile.
  1. Altitude Compression: VFR Flyways established under the floors of Class B airspace require careful evaluation to avoid compression of the airspace and the altitudes available for VFR operations.
  2. Military Considerations: Avoid establishing VFR Flyways which would conflict with military ground control radar approach paths. When charting VFR Flyways which cross or are in proximity to an MTR, include communications instructions for pilots to determine the status of the MTR.
  1. RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. VFR Flyway Planning Chart Development: The ATM determines the need to develop or revise a VFR Flyway Planning Chart.
  1. Initial Action: The requesting ATM must establish a task force of local air traffic, FSDO, military, and local aviation interests, as appropriate, to recommend where VFR Flyways should be located.
  2. Justification: As a minimum, the ATM must address in writing:
  1. Background information pertaining to the development of the chart, such as the composition of the task group.
  2. The major areas examined.
  3. Special VFR procedures.
  4. Recommendations by the task group.
  5. Reasons supporting the establishment of a VFR Flyway Planning Chart for the area.
  1. Charts and Description: A narrative description of the VFR Flyway and the appropriate VFR Terminal Area Chart or a drawing must depict the following data:
  1. VFR Flyway flight paths with VFR checkpoint/waypoint references or NAVAID magnetic radials, and altitudes;
  2. Any large turbine‐powered aircraft arrival/departure routes and associated altitudes that impact VFR Flyways;
  3. Procedural notes positioned on the drawing or the VFR TAC; and
  4. The communication frequencies if frequencies are recommended for advisories. Indicate the flyway segment/s associated with each frequency.
  1. VFR Flyway Planning Chart Approval and Publication: The ATM will send the proposed or revised chart to the Service Area Director of Air Traffic Operations for approval. The approved chart must be forwarded to the OSG for review and submission to Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) for publication.

REFERENCE-

FAA Order JO 7210.3, Para 4-1-6, Preliminary Environmental Review.

  1. Annual Review: The ATM is responsible for reviewing VFR Flyway Planning Charts on an annual basis.
  2. Revisions to VFR Flyway Planning Charts: The ATM initiates revisions to VFR Flyway charts and should propose changes to the established task force for collaboration. The following are considered sufficient justification to warrant revision:
  1. Changes, additions, or deletions to VFR flyways or altitudes, frequencies, procedural notes, or changes to airport status; i.e., name, closed, abandoned, etc.
  2. Changes in large turbine‐powered aircraft arrival/departure routes and/or altitudes.
  3. Additions or deletions to VFR checkpoint/waypoint references or NAVAIDs.
  1. Publicity: The ATM must seek the cooperation of the local FSDO in informing aviation interests about the VFR Flyway Planning Chart Program. Special emphasis should be placed on:
  1. Pilot adherence to VFR Flyways and recommended altitudes is voluntary.
  2. Flyways are not devoid of other traffic. They represent flight paths that are believed to have the least IFR or military activity. VFR Flyway suggested altitudes may not necessarily provide ATC‐required wake turbulence separation.
  3. A “see and avoid” environment must be maintained and emphasized.