One hundred fifty-four Approaches on the Chopping Block

With the influx of new RNAV approaches, the FAA is considering eliminating as many as 154 more existing approach procedures. The proposal is a cost-cutting move. Already up for cancelation are large numbers of NDB approaches that have GPS overlays. Of the approaches on the new list, 64 are VOR approaches and 19 are GPS approaches with circle-to-land procedures. The FAA is on record with its intentions to develop more GPS approaches with Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS). To date, the FAA has incorporated 1,670 WAAS GPS approaches, which offer vertical guidance similar to an ILS. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association has posted a list of the 154 approaches on its Web site (aopa.org), and the association encourages pilots to review the list and notify the FAA if they feel eliminating one or more of the approaches would compromise safety or utility at a given airport.