Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes

This regulation defines what an Air Traffic Service (ATS) route is—the basic structure of airways and other published routes you fly on IFR flight plans.

An ATS route is essentially a path in the sky with a defined centerline connecting navigation points. It runs from one navaid, fix, or intersection to another, and may pass through multiple points along the way. Think of it as a highway in the sky with specific entry and exit points.

Importantly, ATS routes never include prohibited airspace. If a route appears to pass through a prohibited area on a chart, the legal route actually excludes that airspace—you cannot legally fly through prohibited areas even if following a published route.

This matters because when ATC clears you via a specific route (like "cleared to destination via V16"), you're expected to fly that centerline, and you can be confident the route itself is legally defined to avoid prohibited areas.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*