Scared of mid-airs

On 31 Jul 2006 13:41:45 -0700, "
wrote:


Ed Rasimus wrote:

[stuff snipped]


MOAs typically are at altitudes that place them in positive control
airspace. ATC will not provide clearance for GA aircraft through a MOA
that is in use by the military.


GA IFR or GA VFR?

AIM 3-4-5:

"a. MOAs consist of airspace of defined vertical and lateral limits
established for the purpose of separating certain military training
activities from IFR traffic. Whenever a MOA is being used,
nonparticipating IFR traffic may be cleared through a MOA if IFR
separation can be provided by ATC. Otherwise, ATC will reroute or
restrict nonparticipating IFR traffic."

Many, if not most MOAs are involved with very random traffic--e.g. BFM
maneuvering for example. The result is that IFR traffic is not cleared
through when the MOA is active. If the MOA is vacated (still active
usually) between flights scheduled, ATC "might" clear traffic through.
VFR traffic is possible (but ill-advised) below positive control
airspace.

Some MOAs in which activities like air refueling or intercept practice
is conducted would allow for IFR GA aircraft transit, but typically
(at least in my experience) ATC was reluctant to get involved.

"c. Pilots operating under VFR should exercise extreme caution while
flying within a MOA when military activity is being conducted. The
activity status (active/inactive) of MOAs may change frequently.
Therefore, pilots should contact any FSS within 100 miles of the area
to obtain accurate real-time information concerning the MOA hours of
operation. Prior to entering an active MOA, pilots should contact the
controlling agency for traffic advisories."

FAA 7400.8M subpart B:

"A Military Operations Area (MOA) is airspace established outside
positive control area
to separate/segragate certain nonhazardous military activities from IFR
traffic and to identify for VFR traffic where these activities are
conducted."

[rest snipped]

John Hairell )

Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com