RNAV IFR TERMINAL TRANSITION ROUTES

The FAA is moving forward with an initiative to chart RNAV terminal transition routes through busy airspace. In 2001, some specific RNAV routes were implemented through Charlotte’s Class B airspace, allowing RNAVcapable aircraft to cross through the airspace instead of using costly and time-consuming routing around the Class B area. The original RNAV terminal transition routes have evolved into RNAV IFR terminal transition routes, or simply RITTRs.

Beginning in March 2005, with the publication of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the Charlotte, North Carolina, RITTRs, the FAA advanced the process of establishing and charting the first RITTRs on IFR en route low altitude charts. The five new RITTRs through Charlotte's Class B airspace took effect on September 1, 2005, making them available for pilots to file on their IFR flight plans. Additional RITTRs are planned for Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jacksonville, Florida.

The RITTRs allow IFR overflights through the Class B airspace for RNAV-capable aircraft. Without the RITTRS, these aircraft would be routinely routed around the Class B by as much as 50 miles.