Low Level Flying And Special Use Airspace Capt John Withelder

SHARING THE AIRSPACE IN FLORIDA

SHARING THE AIRSPACE Topics: l -Midair Collision Avoidance l -MTR (Military Training Routes) l -Special Use Airspace (SUA) l TFR l MOA l RESTRICTED AREA WARNING AREA l ALERT AREA

SHARING THE AIRSPACE Midair Collision Statistics –Approximately Midair Collisions each year –Always result in multiple fatalities

SHARING THE AIRSPACE When do Midair collisions occur? –Mainly on good VFR days –Close to airports –At low altitudes –49% occurred in the traffic pattern –Approximately 26% in the climb or descent –The other 25% occurred in formation AOPA Study March 2002

SHARING THE AIRSPACE Collision Avoidance Techniques –The “Scan” Focusing on each sector allows the eye to detect potential conflicts in that sector Scan High/Low and in 20 degree Segments

SHARING THE AIRSPACE Collision Avoidance Techniques Con’t –Be aware of your aircrafts blind spots –Use others on the aircraft in scanning –Clearing Techniques Make gentle turns during cruise to the left and right of the desired heading Adjust the pitch attitude of the aircraft during climbs and descents

SHARING THE AIRSPACE Low Level Flying Military Training Routes (MTR’s)

MTR Flying Video

SHARING THE AIRSPACE The MTR program is a joint venture by the FAA and the Department of Defense (DOD). MTRs are mutually developed for use by the military for the purpose of conducting low-altitude, high-speed training. The routes are to be flown, to the maximum extent possible, under IFR. Routes at 1,500 feet AGL and below are generally flown under VFR.

SHARING THE AIRSPACE MTRs are generally established below 10,000 feet MSL for high speed (excess of 250 knots) low level flying. Route segments may be defined at higher altitudes for purposes of route continuity (i.e. mountainous terrain). Routes are categorized as IFR and VFR.

SHARING THE AIRSPACE VR (VFR routes) - conducted with ceiling of at least 3,000 feet and flight visibility of five miles or more. IR (IFR routes) - conducted on IFR flight plans regardless of weather conditions. SR (slow speed low altitude routes) - conducted VFR below 1,500 feet at 250 knots or less.

Route Identification Four number characters identify MTRs with no segment above 1,500 feet AGL. i.e. IR1206 / VR1207 MTRs that include one or more segments above 1,500 AGL are identified by three number characters. i.e. IR206 / VR207

SHARING THE AIRSPACE Only the route centerline is depicted on charts!

SHARING THE AIRSPACE

Flying GA near or in Special Use Airspace: - Not prohibited from flying within an MTR/MOA -Maintain extreme vigilance -Communicate

SHARING THE AIRSPACE CALL FSS - When operating close to MTR’s - Times, altitudes in use, route width - Give position, route of flight, and destination

SHARING THE AIRSPACE

Special Use Airspace TFR MOA Restricted Area Warning Area Alert Area

Special Use Airspace

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS (TFR’S) High incidence rate of TFR violations Most GA Pilots “Unaware” of TFR’s Static vs. Dynamic (POP UP) TFR’s IFR provides TFR “Protection” VFR Flight Following “HEADS UP” Pilot Responsibility to “BE AWARE” FSS/AOPA/ATC/FBO’s Monitor 121.5

TFR Web Site Info: AOPA FAA FSS

Military Operations Area (MOA) Airspace designated for non-hazardous military activity such as acrobatics, air combat tactics and formation training. The designation informs and segregates non- participating instrument flight rules aircraft from the activity. Visual flight rules aircraft are not restricted from operating in military operations areas.

Restricted Areas Airspace designated for hazardous military activities including live-firing of weapons. Restrictions are placed on all non- participating air traffic.

Warning Areas International airspace designated for military activities. Although activities may be hazardous, international agreements do not provide for prohibition of flight in international airspace.

Alert Area Airspace which may contain a high volume of pilot training activity or an unusual type of aerial activity, neither of which is hazardous to aircraft. They are depicted on aeronautical charts for information to non- participating pilots:

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GA AIRCRAFT: - IFR – ATC Separation Provided - VFR – FLIGHT FOLLOWING - Contact FSS/ATC - Maintain extreme vigilance

SHARING THE AIRSPACE

The Cardinal Rules: Plan Ahead See & Avoid

SHARING THE AIRSPACE IN FLORIDA