Going direct still requires a fix in each Center’s airspace, but finding the right one is often difficult. There’s a solution for high-flyers that might be available to everyone someday.
GO DIRECT, FIX-BY-FIX
The original structure of the National Airspace System (NAS), with its VORs, airways and intersections, has served us well for decades. But its rapidly becoming outdated in this age of direct navigation between most any two places on the globe. A more structured system already exists: Its called the National Reference System (NRS).
Key Takeaways:
- The National Reference System (NRS) introduces a modern, grid-based system of standardized waypoints designed to facilitate more direct flight paths and replace outdated VOR-based navigation in high-altitude (Class A) airspace.
- NRS waypoints, identified by unique five-character codes (e.g., KD69Y), are available on high-altitude charts and included in most avionics databases, enabling pilots to plan more efficient routes and achieve significant fuel savings.
- While primarily useful for flight planning direct routes across multiple western U.S. Centers, their obscure naming conventions make them less practical for ad-hoc changes or in dense eastern U.S. airspace, but increased use could lead to broader availability.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
