VFR COASTAL WAYPOINT PROJECT

ASO-530/AMTI

Objective

Purpose of VFR WaypointsAdvantagesIntended Use of VFR WaypointsVFR Coastal Waypoint Project

Policy

The VFR Waypoint Program is being developed to aid pilots in navigating into, out of, through, or avoiding terminal areas, special use airspace (SUA), or other areas where VFR navigation assistance is considered prudent. This program contains the process for developing and submitting requests for inclusion of VFR waypoints on VFR Terminal Area Charts, Helicopter Route Charts, and Sectional Aeronautical Charts.

VFR Waypoint Definition

A graphic portrayal of VFR Waypoint symbols on appropriate charts. The addition of VFR waypoints to VFR Charts, Helicopter Charts and Sectional Charts will augment VFR navigation with the intent of enhancing safety, reducing deviations and increasing air traffic control efficiency.

Advantages

VFR Waypoints will ease navigation for VFR pilots, using the Global Position System (GPS) for supplemental information, operating around, under, and between airspace, which may require clearance or be restricted from their operation. These waypoints will provide VFR pilots with additional tools to improve positive situational awareness.

Charting

VFR Waypoints will be assigned a discrete five-letter designator, which will be added to navigation databases. The waypoints will all begin with the letters "VP" then have an additional three letters. The "VP" beginning will provide an immediate recognition that the Waypoint is for VFR purposes.

VFR Waypoints

Two types of VFR Waypoints will be chartedVFR Waypoints used in conjunction with

Visual Reporting PointsStand-alone VFR Waypoints

VFR Waypoints/Visual Reporting Points

VFR Waypoints can be used in conjunction with Visual Reporting Points. These VFR Waypoints will also be assigned a

five-letter identifier.In pilot/controller ATC communications, the

reporting point will still be referred to by the full proper name of the charted Visual Reporting Point (e.g. Navarre Bridge) and not by the five-letter identifier (VPXXX) designation.

Stand-alone VFR Waypoints

Stand-alone VFR Waypoints are used for:Supplemental Navigation for VFR pilots

to aid in identifying VFR routes and aid in navigation around restrictive airspace

Not used in pilot/controller communication (e.g. north end Dauphin Island Bridge)

VFR Waypoint Process

Compile a Recommendation of Waypoint/Reporting Point Locations

Brief, and Request User Input for each Facility Compile Inputs Project Review Meeting(s) Schedule Follow-up User Meeting(s)

VFR Waypoint Process

Compile Draft Submittal for Review by HQ Reserve Requested Waypoint Ids Draft FAA Form 8260-2 Plot Locations on Quad Charts for Charting Schedule Final Review with HQ Division Letter to HQ with Final Package

Submittal Chart Date

Current Program Status

VFR Waypoints Published

Terminal Area Charts: LAX, SAN, MCI, HOU, SLC

VFR Helicopter Charts: LAX, BOS

Future Considerations

Other possibilities are being considered. VFR Waypoints could assist pilots in their efforts to

locate a specific mountain pass when operating in mountainous terrain.

Chart detail is seldom sufficient to assist pilots in their search for low-altitude navigation through mountainous terrain.

These waypoints would pinpoint proper entrance and exit point for navigation through valleys. VFR waypoints will not, however, be used to create mountain pass routes.

VFR Coastal Waypoint Initiative

The VFR Coastal Waypoint project has been selected as the development product by the Government/Industry Aeronautical Charting Forum for VFR Waypoints published on Sectional Aeronautical Charts.

These Waypoints are intended to aid VFR flight along the coastal area of the Southern Region.

These Waypoints are intended for ease of VFR navigation for pilots unfamiliar with local operating procedures and Special Military Airspace.

Conclusion

The Purpose of this initiative is to provide VFR pilots a safer and more efficient supplemental navigational aid along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean coastal areas within the Southern Region with the use of emerging technologies.

The VFR coastal waypoints will be published on Sectional Aeronautical Charts.