This document is presenting the principles governing the identification of ATS (Air Traffic Service) navigation routes other than standard departure and arrival routes.
The identification of ATS routes are made in order to make unambiguous reference to any ATS route without the need to describe it.
The ATS route designator shall consist of:
- One prefix (optional)
- One letter
- A number
- One additional letter (optional)
The number of characters shall not exceed 6 characters but whenever possible, should be kept to a maximum of 5 characters. A basic designator assigned to one route shall not be assigned to any other route.
The basic designator consists of:
The selection of the letter shall be made from those listed in the table below:
| Letter | Description |
|---|---|
| A, B, G or R | Routes which form part of the regional networks of ATS routes and are not area navigation routes |
| L, M, N or P | Routes for area navigation which form part of the regional networks of ATS routes |
| H, J, V or W | Routes which do not form part of the regional networks of ATS routes and are not area navigation routes |
| Q,T, Y or Z | Routes for area navigation which do not form part of the regional networks of ATS routes |
Example: G20
Where applicable, one supplementary letter shall be added as a prefix to the basic designator in function of the table below:
| Letter | Designation |
|---|---|
| K | To indicate a low level route established for use primarily by helicopters |
| U | To indicate the route or portion thereof is established in the upper airspace |
| S | To indicate a route exclusively for use by supersonic aircraft during acceleration, deceleration and while in supersonic flight. |
Example: UN751
Where prefix K, U or S are used, they shall in voice communications, be spoken as follows:
| Letter | Phraseology |
|---|---|
| K | Kopter |
| U | Upper |
| S | Supersonic |
When prescribed by the ATS authority or regional agreements, a supplementary letter may be added after the basic designator of the ATS route in order to indicate the type of service provided:
| Letter | Designation |
|---|---|
| F | To indicate that advisory service only is provided on the route or portion thereof |
| G | To indicate that flight information service only is provided on the route or portion thereof |