FAR 71.11 — ATS Routes

FAR 71.11 defines what an Air Traffic Service (ATS) route is and how it's structured. In plain terms, an ATS route is a published path through the airspace that ATC uses to route traffic — think of airways like Victor routes or jet routes.

Key points from the rule:

• An ATS route is built around a centerline that runs from one navigation aid, fix, or intersection to another. The route may pass through several navaids, fixes, or intersections along the way.
• The route does not include the airspace of a prohibited area. Even if the centerline would otherwise pass through one, that prohibited airspace is excluded from the route.

Why this matters operationally: when you file or fly an airway, you're flying along a defined centerline anchored to navaids and fixes. Understanding that ATS routes exclude prohibited areas reminds you that following an airway alone doesn't guarantee legal airspace — you still must respect special use airspace boundaries.