4.6 Special Use Airspace - Practice Questions

(Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 75) Where should you look to get additional information on R-2305?

• Chart Supplements (formerly Airport/Facility Directory)

• By communicating with the nearest ATC or airport manager

• On the Sectional Chart

Answer explanation

R-2305 is a Restricted Area. More information about Restricted Areas can be found on the border of a Sectional Chart.

(Refer to Figure 21) You have been hired by a farmer to use your small UA to inspect his crops. The area that you are to survey is in the Devil's Lake West MOA, east of area 2. How would you find out if the MOA is active?

• Refer to the Sectional Chart legend on the border of the chart.

• This information is available in the Small UAS database.

• In the Military Operations Directory.

Answer explanation

An MOA is a Military Operating Area. More information about MOAs can be found on the border of a Sectional Chart. You’ll see information like the name of the MOA, the operating altitude and time of use, the radio frequency and the controlling agency / contact facility that manages the MOA.

__________ areas contain airspace of defined dimensions within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. Such areas are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare.

• Prohibited

• Restricted

• Military operation areas (MOAs)

• Warning

Answer explanation

The keyword here is prohibited. Prohibited areas are published in the Federal Register and are depicted on aeronautical charts. The area is charted as a “P” followed by a number (e.g., P-49). One example of a prohibited area is Camp David, the country retreat of the President, which is located in the woods of Maryland. No flying there, folks.

__________ consist of airspace with defined vertical and lateral limits established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from IFR traffic.

• MOAs

• Warning Areas

• Prohibited Areas

Answer explanation

Military Operations Areas (MOAs) are established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic.

5. __________ 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 these areas.

• Alert

• Warning

• MOA

Answer explanation

Pilots should exercise caution in 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. 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.

Who is responsible for collision avoidance in a Military Operations Area (MOA)?

• Each pilot

• ATC controllers

• Military controllers

Answer explanation

Each pilot is responsible for collision avoidance in a Military Operations Area (MOA).

(Refer to Figure 74) Where should you look to find out whether or not you're allowed to operate in R-2531?

• Chart Supplements (formerly Airport/Facility Directory)

• By communicating with the nearest ATC or airport manager

• On the Sectional Chart

Answer explanation

R-2531 is a Restricted Area. More information about Restricted Areas can be found on the border of a Sectional Chart. You’ll see information like the number of the Restricted Area, the operating altitude and time of use, the radio frequency and the controlling agency / contact facility that manages the area.

What action should a pilot take when operating in a Military Operations Area (MOA)?

• Obtain clearance from the controlling agency prior to entering the MOA

• Operate only on the airways that transverse the MOA

• Exercise extreme caution when military activity is being conducted

Answer explanation

Military Operations Areas (MOAs) are established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from instrument flight rules (IFR) traffic.

Each pilot is responsible for collision avoidance in a Military Operations Area (MOA).

Permission to fly in an MOA is not required, but pilots should exercise extreme caution.

(Refer to Figure 23.) What does a restricted area like R-3005C mean?

• Unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft like artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles.

• High-speed military training that requires unexpected maneuvers.

• Unusual type of aerial activity like a high volume of flight training.

Answer explanation

Restricted areas are areas where flight operations are hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft and contain airspace within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restrictions. In a restricted area, you might find unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft like artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles. Drone pilots can fly in Restricted areas, but you would need to contact the controlling agency in charge of the area for specific permission.