New RNAV Route Structures for Florida Metroplex Project Coming Nov. 8

Updated Nov. 5, 2018

Jacksonville, Miami, Atlanta and San Juan centers will begin using a new RNAV-based Q and Y route structure on Nov. 8. Several new and amended Q and Y routes will be effective on the implementation date.

• Q Routes: 16 new and seven amended
• Y Routes: 42 new and two amended

Y Routes are offshore RNAV routes. Aircraft flying the Y-routes must be equipped with GNSS and meet RNAV 2 performance requirements.

Transition to an RNAV-based route structure reduces the dependency on ground-based navigational systems, improving the operational efficiencies of the National Airspace System. The jet “J” airway structure in this airspace will remain in place for now, but will eventually be eliminated.

Operators are encouraged to file the new RNAV-based (Q and Y) routes airways starting Nov. 8. There will be several procedural changes (SIDS and STARs) for Florida airports associated with the new route structure.

The FAA has provided detailed resources that include graphics of the new airways/airspace as well as new preferred routes into and out of the region for the major Florida airports. Operators can use the preferred routes listed for the primary commercial airports to assist them with the correct routes for the nearby satellite airports (i.e. ORL to TEB could be determined by using the MCO to TEB listed route and using the correct SID for ORL to the initial fix). The FAA has also provided “overflight” preferred routes for operators not departing/landing the region, however, utilizing the affected airspace in the “enroute” environment.

• Florida Metroplex New Q-Y Routes Briefing Package (Excel Doc, 108 KB)
• Florida Atlantic New Routes Stitching Document (Excel Doc, 101 KB)
• ZJX Through Routes (Excel, 25 KB)

During this major Airspace Restructure flight operators can expect to see FAA ATC Traffic Management Initiatives in place for the first 3 to 7 days as the controllers become familiar with the airspace/airway changes. Traffic Management Initiatives could include Airspace Flow Programs for Jacksonville and Miami Centers (bi-directional), metering and mile in trail restrictions. Daily details on which traffic management initiatives to be used can be found in the FAA ATC Command Center Advisories.