Designation of jet routes and VOR Federal airways

When you look at jet route or VOR Federal airway descriptions in FAA Order JO 7400.11K, the place names you see refer to VOR or VORTAC navigation facilities unless the description specifically says otherwise. For example, if an airway description mentions "Denver" or "Chicago," it's referring to the VOR or VORTAC at that location, not the city itself.

This regulation matters because it establishes the standard naming convention for airways. When you're flight planning or flying along Victor airways or jet routes, you need to know which navigation aids define those routes. The regulation tells you that unless explicitly stated differently, every place name in the official airway descriptions is shorthand for a specific ground-based navigation facility. This keeps airway descriptions concise while ensuring pilots know exactly which navaids to use for navigation along these routes.

*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.*