Culling Procedures

BTeter

Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 12:52 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The FAA is launching an "IFP Optimization program" (FAA Order 8260.43C) to address the massive proliferation of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs), which have quadrupled to over 21,000 due to modern navigation technology like RNAV and GPS.
The program aims to eliminate underutilized and redundant IFPs to enhance aviation safety, reduce pilot workload, decrease maintenance costs, and free up FAA resources for new issues.
This national effort involves a thorough review of existing procedures, alongside the planned decommissioning of many VOR and NDB ground-based navigation aids, while still striving for a balanced system in case of GPS outages.
The FAA encourages pilots and the public to provide input on proposed IFP eliminations through its "IFP Information Gateway" website.

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Still carrying a chart case with leather binders of paper approach plates? Your back probably tells you that the FAA has been issuing Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) at a phenomenal rate. The iPads, electronic tablets, and FMS Data Bases have masked the explosion of IFPs. However, the FAA is targeting the elimination of underutilized procedures through FAA Order 8260.43C and the resulting IFP Optimization program.

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