by NAV CANADA
What are VFR routes and VFR checkpoints?
Published visual flight rules (VFR) routes are recommended flight paths designed to guide VFR pilots safely into, out of or through high-traffic airspace. These routes help integrate VFR aircraft with other operations, such as instrument flight rules (IFR) procedures, reducing the risk of conflicts. VFR routes can be published as unidirectional or bidirectional, depending on the airspace requirements.
VFR checkpoints are geographical reference points with pronounceable names, typically tied to prominent landmarks. These checkpoints assist pilots in communicating their position during flight. To support modern navigation, each checkpoint is assigned a unique five-letter identifier starting with “VC” (e.g., VCXYZ) for use in global navigation satellite system (GNSS) equipped aircraft that have up-to-date databases. VFR checkpoints may be incorporated in VFR routes, or sometimes they can be standalone.
Why it matters
The introduction of VFR routes and VFR checkpoints addresses some of the challenges of operating in busier airspace, where VFR pilots must navigate safely alongside other aircraft. By following published routes, pilots can avoid congested areas and align their flight paths with recommended procedures. Referring to published VFR checkpoints communalizes position reporting, improving communication with air traffic service and other pilots.
How to use them
Pilots are encouraged to consult VFR Terminal Area (VTA) charts and VFR Terminal Procedures Charts (VTPC) in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) to locate published VFR routes and VFR checkpoints. These charts provide detailed depictions of routes and checkpoints, including routes for entering or exiting control zones and routes for transiting airspace.
The following is an example VTPC with published unidirectional fixed wing VFR routes helping to organize entry and exit from the MONTRÉAL/MET control zone, along with a number of VFR checkpoints:
A table is also included with the VTPC showing the IDENT as well the latitude and longitude for each VFR checkpoint, and a textual description of the VFR routes:
|
NOM |
IDENT |
LAT/LONG |
|---|---|---|
|
Autoroute 10/Riviere l’Acadie |
VCACD |
N45° 24ʹ 28ʺ W073° 22ʹ 06ʺ |
|
Boucherville |
VCBSV |
N45° 36ʹ 48ʺ W073° 27ʹ 24ʺ |
|
Carriere Varennes |
VCCVS |
N45° 39ʹ 55ʺ W073° 20ʹ 08ʺ |
|
Chambly |
VCBCY |
N45° 27ʹ 40ʺ W073° 16ʹ 38ʺ |
|
IREQ |
VCIRE |
N45° 36ʹ 46ʺ W073° 23ʹ 02ʺ |
|
PARC |
VCPRK |
N45° 33ʹ 05ʺ W073° 28ʹ 11ʺ |
|
Promenades |
VCPMM |
N45° 30ʹ 19ʺ W073° 22ʹ 42ʺ |
|
St-Basile |
VCSTB |
N45° 31ʹ 36ʺ W073° 17ʹ 20ʺ |
|
St-Philippe |
VCLPR |
N45° 21ʹ 10ʺ W073° 28ʹ 29ʺ |
Departures
- All RWYS, unless specified by ATC, not above 1100 ASL until outside the zone
Arrivals
Follow arrival routes, unless otherwise specified by ATC:
Chambly arrival
- 24L: Proceed to Promenades, join mid-left downwind, not below 1700 ASL
- 06R: Proceed to Promenades, join mid-right downwind, not below 1700 ASL
St-Philippe arrival
- 24L: Proceed to Promenades, join left downwind, not below 1700 ASL
- 06R: join straight-in approach, not below 1700 ASL
Varennes arrival
- 24L: Proceed to IREQ, then to PARC, join mid-right downwind, not below 1700 ASL
- 06R: Proceed to IREQ, then to PARC, join mid-left downwind, not below 1700 ASL
Safety first
VFR pilots are urged to incorporate these published routes and checkpoints into their flight planning and execution whenever feasible. By doing so, pilots contribute to safer, more efficient airspace operations, benefiting the entire aviation community.
For more details on VFR routes and VFR checkpoints, refer to RAC 4.7 of the Transport Canada Aeronautical Information Manual (TC AIM).