FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCEasy
A dispatcher is reviewing the width of a Victor airway for enroute fuel and obstacle clearance planning. What is the standard width of a VOR federal airway?
- A4 nautical miles either side of the centerline
- BThe width varies only with the airway's MEA
- C10 nautical miles either side of the centerline
- D8 nautical miles either side of the centerline
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 4 nautical miles either side of the centerline
A federal (Victor) airway extends 4 NM on each side of the centerline, giving a total protected width of 8 NM, unless otherwise depicted due to route configuration.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Airway width is fixed by design criteria, not simply tied to MEA.
- C. 10 NM either side is not the standard airway width.
- D. 8 NM either side would double the actual protected width.
Victor Airway Width
A federal airway based on VOR navigation extends 4 NM on either side of the centerline from 1,200 feet AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.
- Total protected width is 8 NM
- Base is 1,200 ft AGL
- Top is just below 18,000 ft MSL (Class E to FL180)
Memory trick: 'Four and four make eight' — 4 NM each side equals 8 NM total.