The FAA is undertaking a modernization of the National Airspace System (NAS) , and is moving to a space-based system. While we will have ground based navigation aids for the foreseeable future, GPS based navigation has clearly become the dominant technology, and is changing the nature of our IFR enroute navigation structure. Plans are already underway to update the low and high altitude system in the lower 48 states, but as we all know, well—Alaska is different.
Alaska’s low altitude enroute infrastructure is the topic of a survey for IFR pilots who fly there.
Recognizing that we have strong reliance on aviation for basic transportation in the state, the FAA is taking Alaska’s specific needs into account by establishing an advisory group to consider the needs of Alaska’s low-altitude (below 18,000’) IFR enroute system. To prepare for this undertaking, AOPA and the Alaska Airmen Association are partnering on a survey of IFR pilots who fly in Alaska. The survey will help define how you use the low altitude enroute IFR system today, and what your needs are for the future.
This information will help us advocate for your needs as the FAA looks at options to make changes to the NAS in Alaska. While this effort is focused only on Alaska, the results will be integrated into other efforts around the country as we move to a space-based system.
If you are an active IFR pilot, please take the few minutes to take this online survey. Click here to take the survey now.
