Overview
This lecture covers various types of special use and other airspace that private pilots must know, including their definitions, rules, and how to find and comply with them.
Local Airport Advisory
- Local Airport Advisory areas provide weather services at certain Alaskan airports via Flight Service Stations.
- Only found in Alaska; see the AIM for more information.
Military Training Routes (MTRs)
- MTRs allow military aircraft to fly at high speeds, sometimes above 250 knots.
- MTRs labeled "VR" are visual routes (used in VFR weather); "IR" are instrument routes (used in any weather).
- Four-digit MTRs are at or below 1500 feet AGL; three-digit MTRs may be above or below 1500 feet AGL.
- SR (Slow Routes) are uncharted and typically below 250 knots.
- Check with the nearest Flight Service Station to see if MTRs are active.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
- TFRs temporarily restrict flight for security, safety, or public interest (e.g., over stadiums or VIP movement).
- Find TFRs on the FAA TFR website, chart NOTAMs, or flight planning tools.
- Some TFRs recur regularly and are marked by magenta diamonds on VFR charts.
Parachute Jump Areas
- Parachute jump zones are listed in the Chart Supplement and sometimes on VFR sectionals.
- Information includes location, max drop altitude, and operational remarks.
- Always check NOTAMs for current activity.
Published VFR Routes and Corridors
- VFR flyways are suggested paths for VFR flights to avoid controlled traffic, shown as blue lines on Class B charts.
- VFR corridors are magenta dashed lines through Class B airspace and don't require a clearance, but normal Class B rules apply.
- VFR transition routes (magenta double-headed arrows) require ATC clearance to enter Class B.
Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)
- TRSAs are marked by gray rings around airports and provide optional radar services.
- Typically surround medium-sized, towered airports with Class D airspace.
National Security Areas (NSA)
- NSAs are outlined by heavy dashed magenta lines.
- Pilots are requested to avoid flight, but areas may become prohibited via NOTAM.
Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)
- Located along U.S. borders and coasts; requires identification, two-way radio, Mode C transponder, and flight plan for entry.
- Additional procedures needed for international flights; see AIM for details.
Washington, DC Special Airspace
- The Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) exists within 30 NM of DCA; starts at surface to 17,999 MSL.
- Requires SFRA training, 2-way radio, Mode C transponder, assigned squawk, and specific flight plan.
- Inner 15 NM: Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) requires TSA clearance, PIN, and background check.
Wildlife, Wilderness, and National Parks
- Marked with blue borders with dots on charts; pilots requested (or required, in NOAA marine areas) to fly above 2000 feet AGL.
Tethered Balloon Areas
- Identified in restricted areas; balloons may be tethered up to specified altitudes, posing a hazard to low-flying aircraft.
Key Terms & Definitions
- MTR (Military Training Route) â route for high-speed military flights, labeled VR (Visual) or IR (Instrument).
- TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) â temporary airspace closure for safety/security.
- TRSA (Terminal Radar Service Area) â area with optional radar services around certain airports.
- NSA (National Security Area) â area where flight is requested to be avoided for security reasons.
- ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone) â airspace requiring identification and clearance for national security.
- SFRA (Special Flight Rules Area) â special airspace around Washington, DC with extra requirements.
- FRZ (Flight Restricted Zone) â inner core of Washington, DC airspace with strict security requirements.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the AIM for further details on local airport advisories, ADIZ procedures, and parachute jump areas.
- Check current NOTAMs before each flight for TFRs, parachute activity, and special use airspace.
- Complete FAA SFRA training if operating near Washington, DC.