FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceMedium
A CFI is explaining the low-altitude Federal Airway (Victor Airway) system to a student. The CFI correctly states that a Victor Airway centerline is normally protected by a width of:
- A2 NM on each side of centerline
- B8 NM on each side of centerline
- C4 NM on each side of centerline
- D10 NM on each side of centerline
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 4 NM on each side of centerline
Victor Airways are typically 8 NM wide overall, extending 4 NM on each side of the centerline, based on radials from VOR stations. They extend from 1,200 feet AGL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 2 NM per side would total only 4 NM, which is too narrow.
- B. 8 NM is the total width, not the per-side distance.
- D. 10 NM is not a standard Victor Airway dimension.
Victor Airways
Low-altitude Federal Airways based on VOR radials, extending 4 NM either side of centerline (8 NM total width), from 1,200 ft AGL up to but not including 18,000 ft MSL.
- Depicted in blue on sectional/en route low charts.
- Floor is 1,200 ft AGL unless otherwise charted.
- Ceiling is 17,999 ft MSL; Class A begins at 18,000 ft MSL.
Memory trick: 'Victor is 8 wide, 4 each side, like a four-lane highway.'