The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration updated its visual aviation charts for the state of Alaska to include two new mountain passes.
According to a March 24 news release, the FAA added the Naqsralugiaq and Carter passes to aviation charts for the first time which will help guide through the Northern Alaska mountain passes with more accurate information.
“For years, the safest routes through passes were known primarily to local pilots,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “Now, all pilots will have the critical terrain information they need to fly safely.”
Crossing the passes can be dangerous and the updated charts can help pilots plan their flight and identify low points which are safe to fly through.
"Adding these Brooks Range mountain passes is beneficial, especially to pilots not familiar with these areas," Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Alaska Regional Manager Tom George said. "This is part of a larger joint industry/FAA effort to improve aviation safety by providing additional information on visual charts related to mountain passes. While currently focusing on Alaska, these processes will eventually extend to other mountainous parts of the country."
The FAA worked with Alaskan air groups to identify and chart the passes which local pilots use, and there are more changes still under development.
