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 charts to guarantee pilots access to at least one instrument approach independent of GPS or DME, serving as a critical backup during GPS outages.
This network is being implemented as the FAA transitions away from a large portion of the VOR system, maintaining essential navigation services, and features expanded service volumes for remaining VORs (e.g., 70 nm above 5,000 feet AGL).
Pilots should incorporate MON airports into alternate airport planning, particularly for non-WAAS GPS aircraft, and maintain traditional navigation skills (like timing and cross-radial identification) for flying these crucial backup approaches.

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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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