Avoiding Hazardous Weather: Alaska’s GPS-guided Routes

DALLAS – The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has printed 54 GPS-guided routes in Alaska. The route map lets pilots keep away from icing by flying direct paths at decrease altitudes.

FAA officers introduced final month that the 30 new and 24 amended Terminal Transition Routes, often called T-routes, are a part of the company’s Alaska Aviation Security Initiative.

“Flying in Alaska is in contrast to every other place in the USA,” stated Appearing FAA Administrator Billy Nolen. “T-routes will present pilots with extra choices for safely finishing missions on this uniquely difficult atmosphere.”

In line with FAA officers, pilots make the most of T-routes to journey alongside specific areas when flying below instrument flight guidelines (IFR) and using accredited World Positioning System (GPS) or World Navigation Satellite tv for pc System (GNSS) gear.

13 have been activated up to now. One other 20 are set to go dwell in November and December 2022, with the rest following in 2023.

FAA Alaska Aviation Security Initiative

In October 2020, the FAA began the Alaska Aviation Security Initiative. After a yearlong investigation of security challenges distinctive to Alaska, the company printed 11 suggestions final October on the best way to enhance aviation security within the state. T-Route growth was included in these suggestions.

In Alaska, aviation is a lifestyle and an absolute want for a lot of the state, with 82% of communities solely accessible by air. Because the late Nineties, aviation security in Alaska has improved considerably, and the FAA understands the necessity of continuous to enhance aviation security requirements and practices.

The FAA has collaborated with the flying neighborhood on a year-long, complete investigation of security hazards distinctive to Alaska. The FAA Alaska Aviation Security Initiative (FAASI) workforce has created a complete plan for reinforcing aviation security in Alaska by managing, enhancing, and implementing new and present actions.

Officers stated that the FAA is creating extra T-routes to interchange Low Frequency/Medium Frequency (LF/MF) airways between now and 2025.

Featured picture: N318AS, Alaska Airways Boeing 737-900 @KSEA. Photograph: Michael Rodeback/Airways