Figure 15-4. Requirements for airspace operations.
Figure 15-3. Restricted areas on a sectional chart.
Restricted areas are charted with an “R” followed by a
number (e.g., R-4401) and are depicted on the en route
chart appropriate for use at the altitude or FL being flown.
[Figure 15-3] Restricted area information can be obtained
on the back of the chart.
Warning Areas
Warning areas are similar in nature to restricted areas;
however, the United States government does not have sole
jurisdiction over the airspace. A warning area is airspace of
defined dimensions, extending from 3 NM outward from
the coast of the United States, containing activity that may
be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The purpose of
such areas is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential
danger. A warning area may be located over domestic or
international waters or both. The airspace is designated with
a “W” followed by a number (e.g., W-237). [Figure 15-4]
Military Operation Areas (MOAs)
MOAs consist of airspace with defined vertical and lateral
limits established for the purpose of separating certain
military training activities from IFR traffic. Whenever an
MOA is being used, nonparticipating IFR traffic may be
cleared through an MOA if IFR separation can be provided by
ATC. Otherwise, ATC reroutes or restricts nonparticipating
IFR traffic. MOAs are depicted on sectional, VFR terminal
area, and en route low altitude charts and are not numbered
(e.g., “Camden Ridge MOA”). [Figure 15-5] However, the
MOA is also further defined on the back of the sectional
charts with times of operation, altitudes affected, and the
controlling agency.
Alert Areas
Alert areas are depicted on aeronautical charts with an “A”
followed by a number (e.g., A-211) to inform nonparticipating
pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training
or an unusual type of aerial activity. Pilots should exercise
caution in alert areas. All activity within an alert area shall
be conducted in accordance with regulations, without waiver,
and pilots of participating aircraft, as well as pilots transiting
the area, shall be equally responsible for collision avoidance.
[Figure 15-6]
Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs)
CFAs contain activities that, if not conducted in a controlled
environment, could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.
The difference between CFAs and other special use airspace
is that activities must be suspended when a spotter aircraft,
radar, or ground lookout position indicates an aircraft might
be approaching the area. There is no need to chart CFAs
since they do not cause a nonparticipating aircraft to change
its flight path.
Other Airspace Areas
“Other airspace areas” is a general term referring to the
majority of the remaining airspace. It includes:
• Local airport advisory (LAA)
• Military training route (MTR)
• Temporary flight restriction (TFR)
• Parachute jump aircraft operations
• Published VFR routes
• Terminal radar service area (TRSA)
• National security area (NSA)
• Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) land and
water based and need for Defense VFR (DVFR) flight
plan to operate VFR in this airspace
• Intercept Procedures and use of 121.5 for
communication if not on ATC already
Figure 15-5. Camden Ridge MOA is an example of a military operations area.
Figure 15-6. Alert area (A-211).
Military Training
Route (MTR)
Figure 15-7. Military training route (MTR) chart symbols.
• Flight Restricted Zones (FRZ) in vicinity of Capitol
and White House
• Special Awareness Training required by
14 CFR 91.161 for pilots to operate VFR within 60
NM of the Washington, DC VOR/DME
• Wildlife Areas/Wilderness Areas/National Parks and
request to operate above 2,000 AGL
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Marine Areas off the coast with requirement
to operate above 2,000 AGL
• Tethered Balloons for observation and weather
recordings that extend on cables up to 60,000
Local Airport Advisory (LAA)
An advisory service provided by Flight Service Station
(FSS) facilities, which are located on the landing airport,
using a discrete ground-to-air frequency or the tower
frequency when the tower is closed. LAA services include
local airport advisories, automated weather reporting with
voice broadcasting, and a continuous Automated Surface
Observing System (ASOS)/Automated Weather Observing
Station (AWOS) data display, other continuous direct reading
instruments, or manual observations available to the specialist.
Military Training Routes (MTRs)
MTRs are routes used by military aircraft to maintain
proficiency in tactical flying. These routes are usually
established below 10,000 feet MSL for operations at speeds
in excess of 250 knots. Some route segments may be defined
at higher altitudes for purposes of route continuity. Routes
are identified as IFR (IR), and VFR (VR), followed by
a number. [Figure 15-7] MTRs with no segment above
1,500 feet AGL are identified by four number characters
(e.g., IR1206, VR1207). MTRs that include one or more
segments above 1,500 feet AGL are identified by three
number characters (e.g., IR206, VR207). IFR low altitude
en route charts depict all IR routes and all VR routes that
accommodate operations above 1,500 feet AGL. IR routes
are conducted in accordance with IFR regardless of weather
conditions. VFR sectional charts depict military training
activities, such as IR, VR, MOA, restricted area, warning
area, and alert area information.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)
A flight data center (FDC) Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
is issued to designate a TFR. The NOTAM begins with
the phrase “FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS” followed by the
location of the temporary restriction, effective time period,
area defined in statute miles, and altitudes affected. The
NOTAM also contains the FAA coordination facility and
telephone number, the reason for the restriction, and any other
information deemed appropriate. The pilot should check the
NOTAMs as part of flight planning.
Some of the purposes for establishing a TFR are:
• Protect persons and property in the air or on the surface
from an existing or imminent hazard.
• Provide a safe environment for the operation of
disaster relief aircraft.
• Prevent an unsafe congestion of sightseeing aircraft
above an incident or event, that may generate a high
degree of public interest.
• Protect declared national disasters for humanitarian
reasons in the State of Hawaii.
• Protect the President, Vice President, or other public
figures.
• Provide a safe environment for space agency
operations.
Since the events of September 11, 2001, the use of TFRs has
become much more common. There have been a number of
incidents of aircraft incursions into TFRs that have resulted
in pilots undergoing security investigations and certificate
suspensions. It is a pilot’s responsibility to be aware of TFRs
in their proposed area of flight. One way to check is to visit
the FAA website, www.tfr.faa.gov, and verify that there is
not a TFR in the area.
Parachute Jump Aircraft Operations
Parachute jump aircraft operations are published in the Chart
Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/Facility Directory). Sites
that are used frequently are depicted on sectional charts.
Published VFR Routes
Published VFR routes are for transitioning around, under, or
through some complex airspace. Terms such as VFR flyway,
VFR corridor, Class B airspace VFR transition route, and
terminal area VFR route have been applied to such routes.