Restricted Area Ops

brian434

brian434

Well-Known Member
Do civilian operations within active military restricted areas still have to observe FAA regulations? Do military flights follow FAA regs?
 
This question doesn't make much sense. Restricted areas are charted, and fall under the larger umbrella of "special use airspace". Entry into them is allowed only if approved by the controlling agency. This goes for both military and civilian operators.

I'm not sure what a "military restricted area" is, but military operations can be one of many reasons for the creation of a TFR.
 
The exact area is R6602A,B,C. What I'm asking is if as a contractor I am required to maintain basic VFR minimums while operating inside the airspace. Does the FAA have governing authority over the airspace or do they release control to the military.
 
According to the Washington sectional Washington Center owns that airspace. I'm not sure whether your contractor status has any bearing on your use of the airpsace, or whether or not you must remain under basic VFR. If operating in the area under IFR, then my best guess would be no, feel free to go in the clouds at any point. However Washington ARTCC are the people that would actually know the correct answer to this, I'd try giving them a phone call before you go fly.
 
If memory serves me correctly:
If the restricted area is active AND you have permission to enter from the controlling agency (whether that is the ARTCC or the controler of the area, you can operate in whichever manner you are allowed or willing. There are many Restricted Areas thet have military controllers (some with towers). While the ARTCC does have the "big world" control, and will tell you to avoid the airspace, you can still get in. The on site military controller can allow you to enter the active space. Civilian operations under active Restricted Areas are "at your own risk" and you operate under "military rules".

If the airspace is inactive, it usually reverts to the airspace as dipicted were the restricted area not there (i.e. G or E maybe...)
 
dustoff17 said:
If memory serves me correctly:
If the restricted area is active AND you have permission to enter from the controlling agency (whether that is the ARTCC or the controler of the area, you can operate in whichever manner you are allowed or willing. Civilian operations under active Restricted Areas are "at your own risk" and you operate under "military rules".

If the airspace is inactive, it usually reverts to the airspace as dipicted were the restricted area not there (i.e. G or E maybe...)
Click to expand...

From the way he worded it it seemed as if he would be an active participant in whatever activity was going on in the airspace. I know the "at your own risk" definitely comes to play if a civilian is in an active MOA, but can't remember if that verbiage applies to Restricted airspace as well. Either way if there was some sort of confusion, I would want the company/chief pilot to give me a thorough run down on what flight rules I would be operating under before I sign to take the airplane, that's just me though.
 
You still operate under your respective FAR part when cleared to operate in special use airspace. Different SUAS areas operate differently with respect to who controls it. I work with contractors in SUAS fairly often.
 
Alright. Just getting some odd calls from the MC when operating SUAS. Wanted to double check validity.
 
We typically use a term called MARSA (Military Accepts Responsibility for Separation of Aircraft).....ie we are either working with one another or in comms on the area common freq for the particular R area in question. Generally the controlling agency doesn't care what we do as long as we stay within the lateral and vertical confines of the airspace. It is extremely common to punch through cloud layers while technically "VFR" in these areas.....we do it almost daily. So I would say that as long as you are cleared into the airspace, are a participant, and are briefed on what is going on, you probably don't need to get too worried about the cloud clearance rules. Just use some common sense, and your radar if you have one, and of course if weather is truly a factor, make sure you know the minimum safe altitude for where you are flying, lest you find a cloud with a rock in the middle.
 
Mission Commander. There seems to be significant confusion in who is going to their toes smashed when it goes sideways between the AVO (pilot) and MC.
 
When I was flying that Navy contract in the Warning Areas south of our favorite airport, part of the mission SOP was that participating aircraft had to maintain VFR.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top