High Level Airway

A high-level airway is a published IFR route in high-level airspace (above FL180) in Canada. High-level airways are depicted on IFR high-altitude en route charts and form the structured route network for commercial jet traffic at cruise altitudes. They are the upper-altitude equivalent of low-level airways.

Navigation on High-Level Airways

High-level airways are navigated using VOR-DME, INS/IRS, or GPS/GNSS. Most modern commercial aircraft use area navigation (RNAV) and fly direct routes rather than following specific airway centrelines, though ATC may assign specific airways for traffic flow management.

Related Terms

See also: Airway, High Level Airspace, Low Level Airway.