Flying the MON

A preview of what the minimum operational VOR network will look like.

Jason Blair

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 01:06 PM ET

Verified

[Illustration by Clare Nicholas]

Key Takeaways:

The Minimum Operational Network (MON) designates airports that provide at least one instrument approach not reliant on GPS or DME, serving as a crucial backup system during potential GPS outages.
Part of the FAA's transition to performance-based navigation, MON ensures pilots remain within 100 nautical miles of an airport with such an approach, supported by enhanced service volumes for remaining VOR stations.
Pilots should integrate MON airports into their IFR flight planning, particularly when selecting alternate airports or flying non-WAAS GPS equipped aircraft, and maintain traditional navigation skills (e.g., VOR tracking, timing) for these procedures.

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Somewhere a little south of the halfway point between St. Louis and Indianapolis is Olney, Illinois. You might be asking, what makes this a relevant point for flying? Honestly, it has nothing to do with the town. Instead, it’s all about the airport’s instrument approach options and how you would know about them as an IFR pilot.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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