Section 8. VFR Waypoint Chart Program

1. POLICY

1. The VFR Waypoint Chart Program was established to provide VFR pilots with a supplemental tool to assist with position awareness while navigating visually in aircraft equipped with area navigation (RNAV) receivers. The program's purpose is to enhance safety, reduce pilot deviations, and provide navigation aids for pilots unfamiliar with an area in or around Class B, Class C, Special Use Airspace (SUA), and commonly flown mountain passes. The use of VFR waypoints does not relieve the pilot of any responsibility to comply with the requirements of 14 CFR Part 91.
2. This program contains the process for developing and submitting requests for inclusion of VFR waypoints on VFR navigational charts.

1. DEFINITION

A VFR waypoint is a predetermined geographical point depicted on a chart for transitioning and/or circumventing controlled airspace, SUA, and/or commonly flown mountain passes, that is defined relative to a visual reporting point or in terms of latitude/longitude coordinates.

1. CRITERIA

Use the following criteria for establishing VFR waypoints on VFR navigation charts. Establishment of VFR waypoints should be minimized to reduce chart clutter and complexity. RNAV and Global Positioning System aircraft will more accurately fly over a specific point and this should be considered when developing VFR waypoints. Avoid placement of VFR waypoints directly over heavily populated or sensitive structures or areas; e.g., hospitals, government buildings, schools, power plants, etc.

1. Applications.

1. Avoidance of specific airspace; e.g., Class B, SUA, etc. VFR waypoints must not be used to define airspace boundaries.
2. Support VFR flyway routes with entry and exit points, and, when necessary, intermediate waypoints.

1. Assist in identifying VFR checkpoints (visual reporting points) where the associated landmark is difficult to discern.

1. Identify natural entry points for commonly flown mountain passes charted on VFR navigational charts. VFR waypoints are not to be used to create mountain pass routes. VFR waypoints that denote the entry of a commonly flown mountain pass must:

1. Be collocated with a VFR checkpoint at the start of the confined terrain leading to the mountain pass.
2. Be located at least 1 statute mile laterally from rapidly rising terrain.
3. Identify the lowest elevation feature in reasonably close proximity (i.e., a stream or river channel).
4. Avoid placement near features that may be obscured by clouds.

1. VFR waypoints are not for use in ATC communications; therefore, the VFR waypoint names are not pronounceable. If it is desired that a VFR waypoint be used for communications, then a new VFR checkpoint must be established. VFR checkpoints can be established by submitting a request to Aeronautical Information Services, through the Service Area Operations Support Group (OSG) describing the checkpoint and providing the latitude/longitude location.
2. VFR waypoints must not be used for those navigational aids, airports, etc., which currently exist in the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) database. When a VFR waypoint is desired where a fix already exists in the database, locate the VFR waypoint in the general vicinity considered the next most desired location.

1. VFR chart depiction:

1. VFR waypoint names (for computer-entry and flight plans) consist of five letters beginning with the letters “VP” and are retrievable from navigation databases.
2. VFR waypoints associated with VFR checkpoints will not have the waypoint symbology depicted; the Interagency Air Committee (IAC) checkpoint symbol will remain. Only the five-letter identifier will be charted next to the name of the checkpoint.
3. VFR waypoints will be illustrated using the IAC waypoint symbology.
4. The latitude/longitude for each waypoint will be published in FAA Order JO 7350.9, Location Identifiers.

1. RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Proponent. Any interested party may recommend the addition of VFR waypoints to VFR navigation charts or helicopter charts via the appropriate air traffic facility.
2. Air traffic facilities must:

1. Prepare VFR waypoint recommendations. The most important task in preparing the recommendation is coordination with local aviation interests; i.e., Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, FAA Safety Team (FAAST), Flight Service Station (FSS), military, law enforcement, etc. Flight Procedures and Airspace Group (AFS-420) concurrence is required in writing when establishing VFR waypoints associated with mountain passes.

1. After consensus with all affected air traffic facilities and local aviation interests on the need and location of the proposed VFR waypoints, submit a package to the respective Service Area OSG containing:

1. A new or revised VFR navigation chart depicting the location and five-letter name of each waypoint/checkpoint.
2. A completed Appendix D, FAA Form 8260-2, Data Worksheet, in accordance with FAA Order 8260.19, Flight Procedures and Airspace. A list of available VFR waypoint five-letter names can be obtained from the Service Area OSG or from Aeronautical Information Services (AIS). Flight checks are not required.
3. A textual description of each waypoint including the name and latitude/longitude.
4. A graphic or satellite image with the precise point of the VFR waypoint depicted. It is critical that the depictions be easily readable by the Aeronautical Charting Group, En Route and Visual Charting Team in order to verify the position for accurate charting.
5. Justification/supporting rationale, and Flight Procedures and Airspace Group (AFS-420) concurrence for VFR waypoints for mountain passes.

1. The Service Area OSG must:

1. Provide assistance to the air traffic facility, if requested, to prepare the textual description of each waypoint including the name and latitude/longitude and/or to depict the VFR waypoints on a satellite image.
2. Approve the VFR waypoint charting and ensure compliance with the prescribed criteria. If approval is granted, the Service Area OSG must forward the package to Aeronautical Information Services at least 12 weeks prior to the planned implementation date. The planned implementation date must coincide with a publication date of the respective VFR navigation chart.
3. Coordinate overall activity when multiple facilities are affected by the planned use of VFR waypoints such as numerous VFR waypoints on a VFR chart.
4. Maintain the VFR waypoint forms (FAA Form 8260-2, Radio Fix and Holding Data Record) to include corrections, changes, or modifications, as necessary.
5. Conduct annual reviews.

1. Aeronautical Information Services, Aeronautical Data Team (ADT) must:

1. Review the incoming VFR waypoint proposals for completeness.
2. Verify that the requested five-letter “VP” combinations are available for use.
3. Forward the package to Aeronautical Charting Group, Enroute and Visual Charting Team for verification of the geographic positions.
4. Upon verification, the Visual Charting Team must notify the Aeronautical Data Team prior to publication in the National Flight Data Digest (NFDD).
5. Maintain VFR waypoint forms (FAA Form 8260-2) to include corrections, changes, or modifications, as necessary.
6. After coordination, publish VFR waypoint geographic position in FAA Order JO 7350.9.

1. Visual Charting Team must:

1. Review the incoming VFR waypoint proposals for completeness.
2. Coordinate with the Aeronautical Data Team for the resolution of any geographic positions that require FAA Form 8260-2 revisions; provide the Aeronautical Data Team with verification that geographic positions are ready for publication in the checkpoints are published in the NFDD.
3. Coordinate with the Aeronautical Data Team to ensure that any new or revised VFR geographic positions are ready for publication in the checkpoints are published in the NFDD.
4. Publish VFR waypoint geographic positions on appropriate VFR charts.