TEC routes, or Tower En Route Control routes, are primarily located within the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD). Specifically, these routes are detailed in the supplemental material often referred to as the "back pages," which follow the main airport information sections of the directory.
Understanding the Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD)
The A/FD, officially known as the Chart Supplement U.S., is a crucial aviation publication for pilots. It contains comprehensive information about airports, navigational aids, and various flight procedures across the United States. It's published every 56 days by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Location of TEC Routes within the A/FD
To find TEC routes, pilots should navigate to the sections of the Chart Supplement U.S. that provide supplemental data, typically found after the detailed airport listings. These "back pages" serve as a repository for important information that doesn't fit neatly into individual airport entries but is vital for flight operations, including:
- Supplemental Material: This section compiles various operational data.
- Post-Airport Information: TEC routes are systematically listed after the extensive airport details.
What are TEC Routes?
Tower En Route Control (TEC) routes are pre-defined Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) routes designed for short-haul flights in high-density airspace, particularly around major metropolitan areas. They serve to streamline air traffic control procedures by providing standardized routings that minimize controller workload and pilot-controller communications.
Benefits of Using TEC Routes:
- Efficiency: They offer direct and efficient paths for relatively short distances.
- Reduced Workload: Both for pilots (less phraseology) and air traffic controllers (standardized clearances).
- Predictability: Pilots can anticipate their routing, aiding in flight planning and execution.
Accessing the A/FD (Chart Supplement U.S.)
Pilots can access the Chart Supplement U.S. in various formats:
- Printed Copies: Available from aviation supply retailers.
- Digital Versions: Accessible through electronic flight bags (EFBs) and online platforms. The FAA provides digital versions for download on its Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) website. For more details on official FAA publications, you can refer to the Digital Airport/Facility Directory (d-AFD).
Key Information About TEC Routes
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Location | Airport/Facility Directory (A/FD), now officially known as the Chart Supplement U.S. |
| Specific Placement | Found in the supplemental material, often called the "back pages," which appear after the individual airport information sections. |
| Purpose | Designed for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) short-haul flights within congested airspace. They standardize routes to reduce pilot-controller communication and controller workload, offering an alternative to full-length IFR clearances for shorter segments. |
| Availability | Updated with each new publication cycle of the Chart Supplement U.S. (every 56 days), ensuring pilots have the most current routing information. |
| Usage | Pilots typically request a TEC route by its name or designation. These routes are especially useful in areas with a high volume of general aviation traffic and complex airspace, allowing for efficient flow without requiring detailed route clearances for every leg of a short flight. |
