Chapter 4. NAVAIDs

Section 5. Discontinuance of FAA NAVAIDs

4-5-1. POLICY

Operational requirements, air traffic demand, and budgetary limitations are normally the basis for the retention ­or decommissioning of FAA NAVAIDs. Since economics are a necessary consideration, a NAVAID becomes ­a candidate for decommissioning when the activity level, or factors other than activity level on which it may have ­been justified, are eliminated or changed significantly. Discontinuance criteria are contained in the appropriate ­Airway Planning Standards (Orders 7031.2, Terminal, and 7031.3, En Route). Any discontinuance should be ­in accordance with the Federal Radio Navigation Plan.

4-5-2. RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. En Route and Oceanic Services and Terminal Services must ensure that FAA-funded NAVAIDs are ­allocated so that they benefit the greatest number of users consistent with safety and operational efficiency. The ­service area office must also evaluate the need for the retention of en route NAVAIDs and recommend candidates ­for decommissioning when their need can no longer be justified.
  2. The FPT must ensure that FAA-funded NAVAIDs are allocated so that they benefit the greatest number ­of users consistent with safety and operational efficiency. The FPT must also evaluate the need for the retention ­of terminal NAVAIDs and recommend candidates for decommissioning when their need can no longer be ­justified.
  3. ARN-1 must recommend navigational facilities to the Director of Mission Support, Policy as candidates ­for decommissioning when their function can be equally or better provided by more economically efficient ­alternatives.

4-5-3. COORDINATION OF PROPOSALS

A navigational facility selected for decommissioning will be the subject of a nonrulemaking study. The ­appropriate service area office will coordinate the proposed action with personnel from the Technical Operations ­service area office, FPT, Airports Division, Flight Standards Division, and the regional military representative. ­If all concur, the service area office must circularize the proposed decommissioning to all interested persons for ­comment. Include in the circularization a brief description of the decommissioning effect on airspace and ­instrument procedures.

4-5-4. OBTAINING APPROVAL

In accordance with Order 1100.1, FAA Organization - Policies and Standards, Paragraph 15, certain closings, ­consolidation, and decommissioning may require approval of the Administrator. Upon completion of the ­nonrulemaking study, if applicable, the appropriate regional/service area office must forward the study with a ­summary of comments and a recommendation to the Administrator through the concerned office or service.

4-5-5. DISCONTINUANCE ACTION

Delay initiating steps for discontinuance of a navigational facility that requires approval from the Office of the ­Administrator until 10 working days after receipt of such approval.

4-5-6. CANCELLATION OF CONTROLLED AIRSPACE AND INSTRUMENT PROCEDURES

The appropriate air traffic office must ensure the designated airspace based on the NAVAID is revoked or ­modified. The IFP Service Provider must coordinate the cancellation/amendment of any instrument approach ­procedure predicated on that NAVAID before the decommissioning date.

4-5-7. DECOMMISSIONING DATE

To the extent possible, the date of decommissioning should coincide with the associated aeronautical charting ­dates.

4-5-8. DISCONTINUANCE OF NAVAIDs INCLUDED IN ICAO PLANS

To meet the operational requirements of United States and foreign aircraft, certain United States NAVAIDs are ­included in the Caribbean, North Atlantic, and Pacific Regional Air Navigation Plans of the International Civil ­Aviation Organization (ICAO). By international agreement, amendments to these plans cannot be made until ­the necessary coordination is effected through ICAO with all interested contracting states and international ­organizations.

4-5-9. INTERNATIONAL STAFF NOTIFICATION

The Office of International Affairsis the liaison on international issues between the FAA and U.S. Government ­elements and international organizations. Before action is initiated to discontinue any NAVAID included in an ­ICAO Air Navigation Plan, Technical Operations must notify ATO International. ATO International must then ­notify the Office of International Affairsof the proposed action. Notification must be made at least 90 days before ­the proposed effective date.