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Published VFR Routes in Aviation: VFR Flyways and VFR Corridors

Flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) gives pilots the flexibility to navigate by sight rather than relying on an air traffic clearance. However, when operating around large, complex, or congested airspace—especially Class B airspace surrounding major airports—this freedom can become challenging. To help VFR pilots safely transition through or around busy areas, the FAA publishes specific VFR routes. These include VFR Flyways and VFR Corridors, each serving a distinct purpose in easing traffic flow while keeping aircraft separated.



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Why Published VFR Routes Exist

Class B airspace often surrounds the busiest airports in the country, such as Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), or Chicago O’Hare (ORD). These areas are filled with arriving and departing airliners operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).


To prevent conflicts between small general aviation aircraft and heavy airline traffic, the FAA publishes VFR transition routes. These routes:

  • Provide safe, predictable paths for VFR pilots.

  • Reduce ATC workload by channeling traffic into known areas.

  • Improve situational awareness for both IFR and VFR pilots.


VFR Flyways

A VFR Flyway is a suggested route for VFR traffic to fly around or near Class B airspace without entering it.

  • Depiction: Flyways are shown on VFR Terminal Area Charts (TACs) using arrows and labels.

  • Clearance: No ATC clearance is required, since these routes do not penetrate Class B airspace.

  • Purpose: To guide pilots along paths that minimize conflicts with IFR traffic while still giving them flexibility.


Example: In the Los Angeles area, flyways direct VFR traffic around LAX, suggesting altitudes and tracks that help pilots avoid busy arrival and departure corridors.


VFR Corridors

A VFR Corridor is an actual “tunnel” of airspace that passes through Class B airspace.

  • Depiction: Corridors are charted and labeled on TACs with defined lateral and vertical boundaries.

  • Clearance: No ATC clearance is required, but pilots must remain within the corridor’s limits.

  • Purpose: To allow VFR aircraft to legally transit directly through Class B without communicating with ATC.


Example: The Los Angeles Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) allows VFR traffic to fly directly over LAX at 3,500 feet (southbound) or 4,500 feet (northbound), without ATC clearance, provided pilots follow strict procedures.


VFR Transition Routes (Bonus Category)

Another related category is the VFR Transition Route, which does require ATC clearance.

  • These routes allow VFR pilots to cross directly through Class B along published tracks.

  • Pilots must request the transition from ATC and receive a clearance to follow it.

  • Altitudes and headings are published for predictability.


Example: The San Diego Class B has published transition routes that ATC can clear VFR traffic to fly through while staying separated from IFR flows.


Best Practices for Pilots

When using published VFR routes, pilots should:

  1. Study the TAC Charts – Understand boundaries, altitudes, and procedures before departure.

  2. Use Proper Frequencies – Even when ATC clearance isn’t required, monitoring area frequencies improves situational awareness.

  3. Follow Altitudes and Headings Precisely – Staying within designated altitudes prevents conflicts with IFR traffic.

  4. Maintain Vigilant Scanning – These areas attract a high volume of VFR traffic, so see-and-avoid is critical.

  5. Check for Updates in Chart Supplements – Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRAs) and transition routes may have unique instructions that change over time.


Key Takeaways

  • VFR Flyways: Suggested paths around Class B airspace. No ATC clearance required.

  • VFR Corridors: Published “tunnels” through Class B with strict altitude and boundary requirements. No ATC clearance required.

  • VFR Transition Routes: Published routes through Class B that do require ATC clearance.


Conclusion

Published VFR routes provide general aviation pilots with safe, predictable, and efficient options when navigating busy metropolitan airspace. By understanding the differences between flyways, corridors, and transition routes, pilots can confidently plan flights that avoid conflicts, reduce ATC workload, and maintain the highest levels of safety.



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