February 20, 2025
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
Aeronautical
Information
Manual Official Guide to
Basic Flight Information and ATC Procedures
An electronic version of this publication is available online at
http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications
AIM
Record of Changes
Change Number Change Filed Comments
2/20/25 AIM
Aeronautical Information Manual
Explanation of Changes
Effective: February 20, 2025
a. 3−5−5. PUBLISHED VFR ROUTES
9−1−4. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF EACH CHART SERIES
This change updates the names to three visual flight rules (VFR) charted products published by Aeronautical
Information Services via the Terminal Area Chart (TAC) and VFR Flyway Planning Chart. These charts contain
the VFR Flyway and VFR Transition Routes developed where applicable due to traffic volume and airspace
complexity. The descriptions for each route are updated to better describe the products and the compliance
requirements for each. A new section covering the Helicopter Route Chart is added to include a description and
example of this charted VFR product.
b. 4−7−1. INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL POLICIES
This change removes subparagraph f that previously instructed pilots to use Strategic Lateral Offset Procedures
(SLOP) when flying in airspace over the Gulf of America. We have revised the general guidance on SLOP in
the U.S. AIP, ENR 7.1, accordingly.
c. 5−1−3. NOTICE TO AIR MISSIONS (NOTAM) SYSTEM
This change removes mention of Chart Update Bulletin and replaces it with a description and link to the AJV−A
website containing Safety Alerts, Charting Notices and Digital Product Notices.
d. 5−2−5. LINE UP AND WAIT (LUAW)
This change moves the cautionary statement “Line Up and Wait (LUAW) is not an authorization to takeoff” to
the first paragraph for emphasis. This change also adds a note advising readers of the increased number of
instances where pilots correctly read back LUAW instructions yet depart without a takeoff clearance. It reminds
pilots of the need for vigilance during LUAW operations. This change emphasizes situational awareness and
vigilance to subparagraphs respectively.
e. 5−4−5. INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE (IAP) CHARTS
This change clarifies the “Fly Visual” guidance by adding the recommendation that the visual segment should
be flown with flight instrumentation when advisory lateral and vertical guidance is provided.
f. 5−4−7. INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURES
This change clarifies when the phraseology ”cleared approach” is issued without specifying which instrument
approach to fly, pilots are not authorized to fly a visual or contact approach. The change also clarifies guidance
instructing pilots what is expected when controllers clear IFR aircraft for a specific instrument approach.
g. Editorial Changes
Editorial changes include correcting an airport name change from Pensacola “Regional” to “International” in
Table 3−2−1, another change updates the hyperlink to the Graphical Forecasts for Aviation (GFA) static images
website in paragraph 7−1−4, and updates the graphics used in FIG 7−1−2 and FIG 7−1−3. Finally, the CFR “part”
and “section” references are lower−cased throughout, to make consistent with usage across publications.
h. Entire Publication
Additional editorial/format changes were made where necessary. Revision bars were not used because of the
insignificant nature of these changes.
Explanation of Changes E of Chg−1
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Federal Aviation
Administration
AERONAUTICAL
INFORMATION
MANUAL
Change 1
August 7, 2025
DO NOT DESTROY
BASIC DATED
February 20, 2025