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3 Answers

What Is the Purpose of VFR GPS Waypoints?

Asked by: 6997 views , ,
Airspace, General Aviation

I can see the purpose of visual reporting points, but what is the purpose of VFR GPS waypoints? And why do they exist where they do?

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3 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Sep 09, 2014

    There are actually two groups of these. One is an invention by Jepp for use on its VFR/GPS charts. The other is an FAA initiative. I assure you are asking about the FAA initiative.

    The purpose is enhanced situational awareness near and around busy airspace for GPS users. There are two types. One is co-located with the visual reporting points; the other are stand-alone.

    Example of a co-located VFR/GPS waypoint
    Example of a stand-alone one

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  2. Drew on Sep 09, 2014

    Thanks, Mark.

    So, they are something VFR pilots with GPS can use as waypoints for a XC? I’m guessing VFR waypoints don’t exist on IFR charts?

    Sectionals state that they’re not intended to be used for ATC communication, so I assume they exist solely for the VFR pilots to use as reference points.

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  3. Best Answer


    Mark Kolber on Sep 09, 2014

    You can use them as waypoints if they are in your database. Just as you can use any lat/long or radial/distance you want. But the FAA’s purpose is primarily to help you keep out of the way and help you avoid Class C, B and SUA incursions.

    You are correct that they do not appear on IFR charts. If you look at the links I gave and switch to the Low Enroute charts, you will see them disappear. In fact, they are not even on all VFR charts. For example, the “co-located” one I linked to northwest of KDEN appears on the Denver TAC chart but not the sectional.

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