FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative

Aviation in Alaska is a way of life and an absolute necessity for much of the state with 82% of communities accessible only by air. Aviation safety in Alaska has made great strides since the late 1990's, and the FAA recognizes the importance of continuous improvements to aviation safety standards and practices. 

The FAA has teamed with the flying community in a yearlong, sweeping examination of safety issues specific to the challenges of flying in Alaska. The FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (FAASI) team has developed a comprehensive blueprint for increasing aviation safety in Alaska through the management, improvement, and implementation of new and current initiatives.

2023 FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative Roadmap

How the FAA is improving aviation safety in Alaska

Alaska weather graphic

Weather Reporting Enhancements

Install weather observing systems at airports and continue testing new weather...

Alaska navigation aviation graphic

Navigation Strategy Development

Develop an airspace navigation strategy with lower-altitude flight routes and...

Alaska terrain charting aviation

Aeronautical Charting

Improve navigation charting by verifying and adding mountain pass information...

Alaska ADS-B surveillance aviation

Surveillance

Expand ADS-B service coverage to areas that don't have it

alaska aviation handshake safety

Safety Outreach

Continue and develop new safety outreach collaborations to address concerns...

Steps the FAA has taken

  • The FAA has published 39 of the 54 newly published GPS-guided T-routes in Alaska.
    • The remaining 15 T-routes are scheduled to be published by September 2023.
  • Alaska charting issues have been included as an agenda item at the Aeronautical Charting Meetings (ACMs). 
    • Alaska specific needs and chart supplement modernization efforts will continue to be a focus at ACMs in the future.
  • Sectional Aeronautical Charts now identify the Naqsralugiaq and Carter passes; providing pilots more accurate information while crossing major mountainous areas.
  • Eight new Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) have been installed to provide continuous, real-time and accurate weather information on remote areas of Alaska to pilots before they take off. Full commissioning of these systems is expected in 2023. 
  • We are collaborating with aircraft operators to identify T-Route segments within Alaska where establishing charted and acceptable ATC communications gaps would be beneficial.
  • The VWOS test and evaluation period was completed in July 2022. The FAA is currently pursuing business models and funding for full program implementation of the VWOS system. VWOS continues to function and transmit information at four Alaska locations – Eek, Tatitlek, Healy River, and Palmer.
  • FAA continues collaborating across the Alaska aviation community, to include participation in Runway Safety Action Team meetings, air tour operator safety meetings, and the Bethel Stakeholders Group.

FY2022 FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative Final Report

alaska aviation safety infographic

Most Recent Successes