AIM ¶ 5-3-6 — Changeover Points (COPs)
AIM 5-3-6 explains Changeover Points (COPs) on airways and routes — when to switch VOR frequencies. Study guide for pilot students with oral exam Q&A.
In Plain English
Changeover Points (COPs) tell you where to switch your navigation receiver from the VOR behind you to the VOR ahead of you when flying a Federal airway, jet route, RNAV route, or other direct route with a published MEA under 14 CFR Part 95.
Key points to remember:
- A COP is located midway between two navaids on straight route segments.
- On a dogleg segment, the COP is at the intersection of the radials or courses that form the bend.
- If the COP is NOT at the midpoint, the aeronautical chart will depict the COP and show the mileage to each navaid.
Why COPs matter operationally — they exist to:
- Prevent loss of navigation guidance as signal strength fades from the station behind you.
- Prevent frequency interference from other facilities sharing the frequency.
- Keep aircraft in the same airspace using the same facility, which improves track-keeping consistency.
While the AIM is informational guidance (not a regulation), pilots are urged to observe COPs to the fullest extent for safe, predictable IFR navigation.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 5-3-65-3-6. 5-3-6. Changeover Points (COPs)
COPs are prescribed for Federal airways, jet routes, area navigation routes, or other direct routes for which an MEA is designated under 14 CFR part 95. The COP is a point along the route or airway segment between two adjacent navigation facilities or waypoints where changeover in navigation guidance should occur. At this point, the pilot should change navigation receiver frequency from the station behind the aircraft to the station ahead. The COP is normally located midway between the navigation facilities for straight route segments, or at the intersection of radials or courses forming a dogleg in the case of dogleg route segments. When the COP is NOT located at the midway point, aeronautical charts will depict the COP location and give the mileage to the radio aids. COPs are established for the purpose of preventing loss of navigation guidance, to prevent frequency interference from other facilities, and to prevent use of different facilities by different aircraft in the same airspace. Pilots are urged to observe COPs to the fullest extent.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is a Changeover Point (COP) and what action does it require from the pilot?
Per AIM 5-3-6, a COP is a point along an airway or route segment between two adjacent navigation facilities or waypoints where the pilot should change the navigation receiver frequency from the station behind the aircraft to the station ahead.
Q2Where is a COP normally located, and how do you know if it isn't in the standard location?
Per AIM 5-3-6, COPs are normally located midway between navaids on straight route segments, or at the intersection of radials/courses forming a dogleg. When a COP is not at the midway point, the aeronautical chart will depict the COP location and provide the mileage to each radio aid.
Q3Why are COPs established on Federal airways and routes?
Per AIM 5-3-6, COPs are established to prevent loss of navigation guidance, to prevent frequency interference from other facilities, and to prevent use of different facilities by different aircraft operating in the same airspace. Pilots are urged to observe them to the fullest extent.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 5