Wed, Jun 29, 2011
Move Provides More Direct IFR Routing For Helos Between The Two
Cities
The FAA has established two helicopter RNAV routes as part of
the U.S. air traffic service route (ATS) structure and designates
two helicopter RNAV routes (TK-routes) in the northeast corridor
between the Washington, DC, and New York City metropolitan areas.
The TK-routes are for use by helicopters having IFR-approved Global
Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
equipment. The FAA says it is is taking this action to enhance
safety and to improve the efficient use of the navigable airspace
for en route IFR helicopter operations.
The low altitude helicopter RNAV routes (TK-routes) added to the
U.S. ATS route structure will be identified by the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) prefix “TK” followed
by a 3-digit number. ICAO has allocated the number block 501
through 650 for U.S. use in identifying the routes. The two new
routes in this rule, designated TK-502 and TK-504, will provide
more direct routing for IFR helicopters in the northeast corridor
between the New York City and Washington, DC, metropolitan areas.
The routes will serve New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and
Washington, DC area airports/heliports. The helicopter RNAV routes
will be depicted on the appropriate IFR Enroute Low Altitude
charts. Only GNSS equipped RNAV helicopters may file for the
TK-routes.
The TK routes have been determined to be Categorically Excluded
from further environmental review in accordance with paragraphs
311a of FAA Order 1050.1E and documented under the provisions
outlined in paragraph 305 of that order. The estimated number of
daily helicopter operations is low, with an estimate of less than
50 helicopter operations on the routes per month. Based on the low
number of operations, no noise analysis was needed as per FAA Order
1050.1E. Other environmental impact categories were considered as
well as the potential for extraordinary circumstances before
reaching this environmental determination of CATEX. The Air Traffic
Initial Environmental Review (IER) is not a mandatory document and
was not required for this action. The FAA issued a Categorical
Exclusion/Record of Decision dated June 14, 2011.
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