Definition
Recommended VFR routes depicted on the back of certain Terminal Area Charts (TACs) that help pilots transit through or near busy Class B airspace without entering it. Flyways show suggested tracks, altitudes, and visual checkpoints, but they are advisory only and do not require ATC clearance to use.
Plain English
Suggested flight paths printed on special charts that show VFR pilots a sensible way to fly past or around a major airport's controlled airspace, using landmarks and altitude tips to stay clear of heavy traffic.
Context Anchor
Seen on VFR planning charts for busy airport areas, especially when planning a route near major airports and their surrounding controlled airspace.
Derivation
Flyway' borrows from the term used in bird migration — established corridors birds follow across long distances. The chart designers chose it to suggest a natural, well-worn path through the sky.
Why Pilots Care
Following these routes helps maintain safe separation from other traffic and published IFR arrival and departure paths.
Analogy
It is like a suggested driving route around a crowded downtown area. The route is printed on the map because it usually works well, but it is still the driver's job to obey the rules and avoid restricted streets.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a charted VFR flyway is the same as an assigned route or an automatic clearance. It is a recommended path shown on the chart; the pilot must still comply with all airspace requirements.
Example Sentence 1
Rather than request a Class B transition, the pilot followed the charted VFR flyway south of the airport at 3,500 feet.
Example Sentence 2
Sectionals show charted VFR flyways with dashed blue lines and recommended altitudes near the city.