When departing JFK and using a DUCT (Depart Under Center Traffic) Route, which statement is true?

When departing JFK and using a DUCT (Depart Under Center Traffic) Route, which statement is true?

• A. DUCT routes are planned for FL220 and below until at least as far west as Cleveland Center.
• B. Pilots should avoid requesting higher altitudes than given by the program.
• C. DUCT routes are for departure to the west from New York airports.
• D. All of these are correct.

Answer: (D)

DUCT routes are designed to keep departures from JFK under Center traffic by routing you at lower levels and into the westward en route structure. They are published for flight levels up to and including FL220 and below, extending at least as far west as Cleveland Center. That lower altitude limit helps maintain separation from the upper, high-altitude jet routes and traffic streams. Pilots should avoid requesting altitudes higher than what the program provides because the purpose of the DUCT routing is to stay on the published, lower path and maintain predictable coordination with Center traffic. And these routes are specifically for departures to the west from New York airports, to align with the westbound flow into the en route airspace. Taken together, these aspects describe how DUCT routes operate, so all of these statements are true.

DUCT routes are designed to keep departures from JFK under Center traffic by routing you at lower levels and into the westward en route structure. They are published for flight levels up to and including FL220 and below, extending at least as far west as Cleveland Center. That lower altitude limit helps maintain separation from the upper, high-altitude jet routes and traffic streams. Pilots should avoid requesting altitudes higher than what the program provides because the purpose of the DUCT routing is to stay on the published, lower path and maintain predictable coordination with Center traffic. And these routes are specifically for departures to the west from New York airports, to align with the westbound flow into the en route airspace. Taken together, these aspects describe how DUCT routes operate, so all of these statements are true.