Airspace

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 Figure 15-4. Requirements for airspace operations. 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 pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training a “W” followed by a number (e.g., W-237). [Figure 15-4] 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, Military Operation Areas (MOAs) and pilots of participating aircraft, as well as pilots transiting MOAs consist of airspace with defined vertical and lateral the area, shall be equally responsible for collision avoidance. limits established for the purpose of separating certain [Figure 15-6] military training activities from IFR traffic. Whenever an MOA is being used, nonparticipating IFR traffic may be Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs) cleared through an MOA if IFR separation can be provided by CFAs contain activities that, if not conducted in a controlled ATC. Otherwise, ATC reroutes or restricts nonparticipating environment, could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. IFR traffic. MOAs are depicted on sectional, VFR terminal The difference between CFAs and other special use airspace area, and en route low altitude charts and are not numbered is that activities must be suspended when a spotter aircraft, (e.g., “Camden Ridge MOA”). [Figure 15-5] However, the radar, or ground lookout position indicates an aircraft might MOA is also further defined on the back of the sectional be approaching the area. There is no need to chart CFAs charts with times of operation, altitudes affected, and the since they do not cause a nonparticipating aircraft to change controlling agency. its flight path. Alert Areas Other Airspace Areas Alert areas are depicted on aeronautical charts with an “A” followed by a number (e.g., A-211) to inform nonparticipating “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 15-3. Restricted areas on a sectional chart. 15-4