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.

FMI: http://federalregister.gov/a/2011-15885