Cancellations Effective July 7th

As part of the FAA's effort to cut costs by eliminating redundant navigational aids, the agency has announced it will cancel 216 redundant NDB approaches July 7, saving $19,000 per year for each canceled approach. AOPA provided extensive comments on the list of NDB approaches proposed to be eliminated.

"This is one way the FAA can reduce costs and shift its resources to finance satellite navigation," said Melissa Rudinger, AOPA vice president of regulatory affairs. "AOPA members who were recently surveyed recognized that some NDB approaches were unnecessary and said it would be acceptable to cancel the redundant approaches."

During a public comment period, AOPA provided the FAA with a list of 57 NDB approaches that should be saved because they provided the lowest minimums or because they were important to members in the area. Only one of the approaches that AOPA asked to be retained — the NDB approach to Runway 4 at Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky — is slated to be canceled in July. The association is pursuing a response from the FAA about its decision on that approach.

"Rest assured AOPA will work with the FAA to ensure that the agency does not cancel any essential instrument approaches," Rudinger said.

FMI: www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2005/050613ndb_list.pdf