GPS Fixes and T and Q Airways replacing VORs
This change, effective immediately, is targeted to modify ARTCC policy.
The purpose of this Mandatory Briefing Item is to facilitate the processing of flight plan routes when GPS waypoints replace VORs and affect facility-specific Valid Exits and initial route strings.
The following policy will supersede any other published policy. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail the staff or submit a support ticket through the web site.
Background
VORs are being decommissioned and replaced with GPS fixes and T/Q airways [1]. Until each facility SOP is updated, this affects the processing of flight plans by Clearance Delivery, specifically with regard to Valid Exits and initial route strings.
Changes
This MBI amends the Clearance Delivery section of each facility’s SOP.
For PRD destinations:
- Clearance Delivery controllers should check the flight plan route against the PRD.
- Clear the flight plan via PRD routing even if the initial fix is not included in the facility SOP.
- Example: EEGOR T315 HFD in the PRD, replacing BDR HFD
For non-PRD destinations or destinations that are not in the PRD:
- Confirm that the initial portion of the route mirrors the SOP routing and amendments. SkyVector can be used to visualize the routing.
- Example: ELVAE NECCK WHITE, replacing ELVAE COL WHITE