The FAA is altering five procedures that are set to take effect next month as part of the agency’s Las Vegas Metroplex Project. A multi-year initiative, the metroplex project has been designed to improve the efficiency of airspace in the region surrounding McCarran International Airport (LAS), Henderson Executive Airport (HND), and North Las Vegas Airport (VGT). However, the Covid-19 crisis has delayed the implementation of associated planned routes until February 25.
These procedure adjustments come after the agency completed its final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD). While the procedures approved in the FONSI/ROD would have been safe, the FAA said, the changes meet criteria established after the review was issued.
“The FAA is constantly evaluating how to make our safe system even safer. Adjustments similar to these occur with virtually all large airspace projects, and the FAA normally makes them after the procedures are implemented, during what is called the post-implementation phase of the project,” the agency said. However, since the Covid pandemic delayed implementation, the agency has been able to make these adjustments ahead of time.
Changes will affect the HOOVER SEVEN departure route for LAS, the precision approach to LAS Runway 19R from the east, the precision approach to LAS Runway 19R from the north, the precision approach to LAS Runway 19L, and the GAMES Arrival Route for HND.