VOR, which stands for Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range, is a ground-based radio navigation system used by aircraft. According to the FAA, VOR facilities support non-precision instrument approaches and en-route navigation procedures.

In a resolution adopted by the board on Tuesday, airport officials argue that retaining the VOR RWY 01 approach is critical during adverse weather conditions.

“The retention of the VOR RWY 01 approach serves as an indispensable safety-valve during degraded weather cycles when adverse wind components restrict operations on Runway 10-28, protecting pilots from executing high-risk circling maneuvers or accepting hazardous tailwinds,” the resolution states.

While modern aircraft increasingly rely on GPS technology, the resolution emphasizes the VOR remains an important navigation aid in Delta County.

This Federal Aviation Administration graphic shows the Ground-Based Navigation (GBN) system for aircraft. (Graphic courtesy of the FAA)

“A comprehensive survey of our on-field general aviation community indicates that while the vast majority of local aircraft maintain GPS capabilities, operators heavily rely on the ESC VOR numerous times per month, specifically to maintain FAA instrument currency under 14 CFR § 61.57, practice proficiency and complete mandatory FAA checkrides,” the resolution states.

Commissioner Matthew Jensen said he believes the FAA is seeking to reduce its reliance on older navigation infrastructure.

“It’s my view the FAA is looking at trying to — across the board — start to alleviate the ‘analog’ version, which is a radio broadcast, so that they don’t have to send individuals out to actually maintain a physical radio station that transmits,” Jensen said.

The board’s resolution also highlighted the impact the proposal could have on local aircraft operators.

It states, “An audit of based aircraft reveals a specific legacy gap for certain operators, most notably the Delta County Flying Club’s primary aircraft, which completely lacks a GPS navigator and relies entirely on conventional ground-based navigation for legal all-weather access to the airfield.”

The resolution further notes that Delta County is not alone in facing reductions to ground-based navigation infrastructure. Similar VOR facilities have already been decommissioned at Ford Airport in Iron Mountain, Menominee County Airport and Schoolcraft County Airport, significantly reducing the availability of ground-based navigation aids across the region.

“With the Houghton VOR additionally targeted for upcoming decommissioning, the central and western Upper Peninsula is facing an unprecedented ground-based navigation desert,” the resolution adds.

The elimination of the VOR at the Delta County Airport reportedly leaves Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport in Marquette County and the Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport as the last remaining facilities holding functional VOR approach infrastructure across the Upper Peninsula.

Airport officials argue the opposition reflects a unified voice of local aviation tenants and the Delta County Flying Club. The resolution opposing the decommissioning of VOR RWY 01 will be sent to the FAA Flight Procedures Team.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.