AIM ¶ 3-5-5 — Published VFR Routes

3-5-5. 3-5-5. Published VFR Routes Published VFR routes for transitioning around, under and through complex airspace such as Class B airspace were developed through a number of FAA and industry initiatives. All of the following terms, i.e., “VFR Flyway” “VFR Corridor” and “VFR Transition Route” have been used when referring to the same or different types of routes or airspace. The following paragraphs identify and clarify the functionality of each type of route and specify where and when an ATC clearance is required. VFR Flyways. A VFR Flyway is defined as a general flight path not defined as a specific course, for use by pilots in planning flights into, out of, through or near complex terminal airspace to avoid Class B airspace. An ATC clearance is NOT required to fly these routes. FIG 3-5-1 VFR Flyway Planning Chart VFR Flyways are depicted on the reverse side of some VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC s ). (See FIG 3-5-1.) These charts identify VFR F lyways designed to help VFR pilots avoid major controlled traffic flows. They may further depict multiple VFR routings throughout the area which may be used as an alternative to flight within Class B airspace. The ground references provide a guide for improved visual navigation. These routes are not intended to discourage requests for VFR operations within Class B airspace but are designed solely to assist pilots in planning for flights under and around busy Class B airspace without entering Class B airspace. It is very important to remember that these suggested routes are not sterile of other traffic. The entire Class B airspace, and the airspace underneath it, may be heavily congested with many different types of aircraft. Pilot adherence to VFR rules must be exercised at all times. C ommunications must be established and maintained between your aircraft and any control tower while transiting Class C or Class D surface areas of airports under Class B airspace. VFR Corridors. The design of a few of the first Class B airspace areas provided a corridor for the passage of uncontrolled traffic. A VFR corridor is defined as airspace through Class B airspace, with defined vertical and lateral boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or communication with air traffic control. These corridors are, in effect, a “hole” through Class B airspace. (See FIG 3-5-2 .) A classic example would be the corridor through the Los Angeles Class B airspace, which has been subsequently changed to Special Flight Rules airspace (SFR). A corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface like a VFR Flyway. Because of their finite lateral and vertical limits, and the volume of VFR traffic using a corridor, extreme caution and vigilance must be exercised. FIG 3-5-2 Class B Airspace Because of the heavy traffic volume and the procedures necessary to efficiently manage the flow of traffic, it has not been possible to incorporate VFR corridors in the development or modifications of Class B airspace in recent years. VFR Transition Routes. To accommodate VFR traffic through terminal airspace, VFR Transition Routes were developed. A VFR Transition Route is defined as a specific flight course depicted and described on a TAC and/or VFR Flyway Planning Chart. Communication with ATC where the route transitions Class B, Class C, and/or Class D airspace is required. In addition to communication requirements, a clearance is required to operate in Class B airspace. VFR Transition Routes may include published altitudes or ATC‐assigned altitudes. Per 14 CFR section 91.123, pilot compliance is expected for all route and altitude restrictions as published or assigned by ATC. VFR Transition Route and altitude assignments do not relieve pilots from their duty to comply with 14 CFR section 91.119. Pilots are expected to request an alternate clearance if necessary for compliance. These routes, as depicted in FIG 3-5-3 , are designed to show the pilot where to position the aircraft where an ATC assignment or clearance for the route can normally be expected with minimal or no delay. Until ATC authorization is received, pilots must remain clear of Class B airspace. On initial contact, pilots should advise ATC of their position, altitude, route name desired, and direction of flight. For secondary airports underlying or in close proximity to Class B or Class C airspace, VFR Transition Routes may be developed and depicted for arrivals/departures. These arrivals/departures may be requested from or assigned by ATC. FIG 3-5-3 VFR Transition Route Helicopter Route Chart. Helicopter Routes are depicted on a specialized VFR chart established for select high traffic density areas to enhance helicopter access and ease of operation. The Helicopter Route Chart depicts prominent geographical features, roads and obstructions. A Helicopter Route is a specific VFR flight course and is depicted on the Helicopter Route Chart. These routes contain specific altitudes and instructions for navigating over visual reference points as published, or as instructed by ATC. Helicopter Route Charts, as depicted in FIG 3-5-4 , incorporate expanded ground reference and unique symbology to improve visual navigation. The charts contain additional information such as frequencies to self-announce on and other route information. On initial contact, pilots should advise ATC of their position, altitude, and route name desired. Helicopter Routes may include published altitudes or ATC‐assigned altitudes. Per 14 CFR section 91.123, pilot compliance is expected for all route and altitude restrictions as published or assigned by ATC. Helicopter Route and altitude assignments do not relieve pilots from their duty to comply with 14 CFR section 91.119 and 132.203(b). Pilots are expected to request an alternate clearance if necessary for compliance. VFR Helicopter routes are available at the following website: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/vfr/ . FIG 3-5-4 Helicopter Route Chart