Definition of “Federal Airways”
Federal airways refer to designated airspace areas in the United States that facilitate the flow of air traffic between airports. These airways extend upwards from 1,200 feet to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL, except where otherwise specified. The primary purpose of federal airways is to keep aircraft separated and moving efficiently while navigating through controlled airspace. Federal airways are identified by unique names and are defined by a specific width (such as 4 nautical miles) along the airway centerline. They are created and maintained by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as part of a broader effort to ensure the safety and efficiency of US airspace. Overall, federal airways play a vital role in the national airspace system and are essential for the safe and timely transport of people and goods across the country.
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