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:

MON (Minimum Operational Network) airports are designated on IFR enroute charts to provide critical backup instrument approaches that do not require GPS or DME, serving as a failsafe during GPS outages or failures.
The FAA established the MON network by retaining key VORs with expanded service volumes (up to 70 nm above 5,000 feet AGL) to ensure pilots are always within 100 nautical miles of an airport with a non-GPS dependent approach.
Pilots are encouraged to factor MON airports into their alternate airport planning and maintain proficiency in "traditional" VOR/LOC approach skills, including timing and cross-radial navigation, for emergency scenarios.

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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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