In response to a number of TCAS events in the Redmond, OR area, Seattle Center joined with the airlines serving Roberts Field Airport (KRDM) and the local flight schools to test a flight corridor concept encompassing the RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 5 approach to RDM. The corridor concept segregates arriving airline traffic from smaller local traffic in the area. Depicted on the VFR Sectional below is the airspace airlines descend within while executing an RNAV Y approach to RWY 05.  Each depicted approach segment (corridor) notes the altitudes blocks (in hundreds of feet) the approach encompasses within the corridor.

 When the Redmond ATIS is advertising runway 5 operations, Seattle Center controllers utilize the RNAV (GPS) Y RWY 5 approach as much as feasible. When operating in the vicinity of corridor airspace below 10,000’ MSL, it is recommended pilots obtain the RDM ATIS for runway in use. During runway 5 operations, aircraft not receiving VFR flight following, are advised to avoid the corridors or request advisories to transit using the following procedures:

 Pilot: “N1234 request corridor transition”

ATC responses:

•          “No IFR traffic in corridor” – Implies transition of corridor can be accomplished without conflict with IFR aircraft.
•          “Traffic in corridor, advise you avoid”  - Please remain clear of the corridor. This indicates that the controller believes there is a potential conflict with IFR aircraft or may be too busy to provide more detailed information about the potential traffic in the area.
•          Workload permitting, ATC may advise you of where the traffic is within the corridor, i.e.:“DASH8 traffic, ZIBID, inbound RNAV Y runway 5.” This allows you to use your best judgement as to whether or not you can transition the corridor without creating a conflict with inbound aircraft.  Allow a generous amount of space between you and the aircraft on approach to ensure a TCAS RA is not triggered and potentially cause the aircraft to deviate from the altitude and/or route on the approach procedure, creating an unstable approach.

 For ADS-B equipped aircraft flying VFR within 25 miles of the DSD VORTAC, Seattle Center encourages pilots to broadcast ADS-B Flight ID at all times, squawk 1237 and monitor frequency 126.15.  Squawking 1237 while broadcasting Flight ID, will force the display of your call sign onto the controllers radar display.   Display of Flight ID will result in more efficient and expeditious pilot/controller communications when:

•          Requesting flight following
•          Requesting  a “Corridor” transition advisory
•          Controllers issue traffic calls and alerts.  Traffic calls may be issued in the blind for the benefits of pilots monitoring 126.15

 RDM ATIS:

  Phone number - 541-548-1742 

  Freq - 119.025