New `Q' routes

[P3 Tweek]

I flew into SFO a week ago and noticed some new RNAV `Q' airways listed along the west coast.

Anyone out there flown them yet?
How long have they been in use?
Any special rules for them and what are the advantages of using them?
What is the long range planning for these?

Tweek

 

[Beaker]

P3

The Q routes have been out on the DoD FLIP for about a year or so. I've never used them and don't quite understand them. They are for RNAV routing but if you'e filing RNAV wouldn't it be better to just file direct with a waypoint in each ARTCC? I think they're for easing the flow along frequently used routes. They might be used a lot more starting 1 Oct when the RVSM over the lower 48 kicks in.

Cheers
Beaker

 

[AAflyer]

Hey Guys,

They have these routes over the Gulf of Mexico. One is Q100. It has been around for awhile. It shows up like any other airway on the flight plan. Do not know the specifics of it.

AA

 

[GPilot]

FAA link has some good info on this topic. I've flown them, no real difference. Benefits include more efficient routes, not based on radial/dme or Navaid geographic location. I imagine many Jet routes will be replaced with parallel Q routes. Anyone whose tried to head west on J134 out of DC knows a couple extra lanes on the highway would sure help.

http://www.faa.gov/ats/nar/har_section.htm

 

[Gumby]

Rvsm

P3

The Q routes have been out on the DoD FLIP for about a year or so. I've never used them and don't quite understand them. They are for RNAV routing but if you'e filing RNAV wouldn't it be better to just file direct with a waypoint in each ARTCC? I think they're for easing the flow along frequently used routes. They might be used a lot more starting 1 Oct when the RVSM over the lower 48 kicks in.

Cheers
Beaker

Actually, RVSM kicks in over the lower 48 on January 20, 2005.