AOPA in Tiff with FAA Over Navaid Decision

Filed in archive Aviation News , Safety on March 2, 2005

The FAA is considering decommissioning some VORs in the Northeast due to airport construction. AOPA has issued a letter to FAA commissioners calling into question that decision.

The letter says the AOPA is "seriously concerned that isolated local studies to decommission traditional ground-based navigation aids based simply on the local need to relocate the VOR on the airfield could have significant negative effects on the National Airspace System..."

The two VORs in question support 10 Victor airways and 16 instrument approach procedures into multiple airports.

It does seem to me the FAA's willingness to consider this option is more of a cost-cutting measure than a one rooted in safety. I concur with the AOPA that this could affect air traffic safety, especially if the action becomes more widespread.