AOPA Gets Heavily Involved
The FAA is once again
seeking formal comments on the proposed expanded military
operations areas (MOAs) near Cherry Point over the Outer Banks in
North Carolina. AOPA requested the 60-day extension for comments on
the proposal to create the Core and Gunny (previously called
Mattamuskeet) MOAs because the FAA did not properly notify airspace
users the first time around.
In addition to AOPA and local pilots, Rep. G.K. Butterfield
(D-N.C.-- shown below, right) added congressional pressure in
October to AOPA's request to extend the comment period.
"The proposed airspace creates an operational hazard for general
aviation, and AOPA is pleased that the FAA has reopened the comment
period until February 14," said Heidi Williams, director of air
traffic services. "Those who already have submitted comments do not
need to resubmit them — the agency will consider all
previously received comments."
Few airspace users were notified about the comment period before
it officially ended August 18. AOPA was not formally notified, and
the North Carolina Department of Transportation received notice
just two days before the end of the comment period. Several local
airport managers weren't notified either.
AOPA contends that the
establishment of the Core and Gunny MOAs along and just inland from
the Outer Banks, from 3,000 feet to 17,999 feet agl, would create
safety hazards and operational difficulties for general aviation
pilots.
The U.S. Marines say they'll be flying in the MOAs most of the
time, which effectively puts them "off limits" to GA pilots. Some
73 percent of AOPA members say they avoid flying through MOAs
because of difficulty in determining when they are "hot."
IFR aircraft under Cherry Point approach control could transit
the area while it is active. ATC would provide standard IFR
separation from participating military users.
The FAA circular states that the military will be flying
non-hazardous missions in the area. Even though the military will
not be firing live ammunition, the operations themselves could be
hazardous to GA aircraft. Missions in the Gunny MOA would include
military air combat maneuvers, flight training aerobatics,
formation flying, low altitude training, close air support, and
air-to-air intercept. About 25 percent of the missions would be
flown between 3,000 and 10,000 feet msl, and the remaining 75
percent would be above 10,000 feet msl.
To avoid these hazards, GA pilots could choose to fly below
3,000 feet to stay underneath the MOAs. But bird strikes are most
likely below 3,000 feet. And both MOAs overlie areas where
waterfowl abound, including several national wildlife areas.
The Core MOA, which would be used for high-speed tactical
ingress and egress flights, also overlies the Cape Lookout National
Seashore. Pilots are requested to fly at least 2,000 feet above the
surface of national parks, monuments, seashores, and wildlife
areas. The MOA would compress all VFR traffic in the area into a
1,000-foot section of altitude, creating congestion and leaving
very little room to see and avoid other aircraft.
The military would conduct 35 percent of its missions between
3,000 and 5,000 feet msl in the Core MOA, with the remaining 65
percent above 5,000 feet msl.
Comments on the effect of the MOAs on aeronautical activity
should be sent to:
- Federal Aviation Administration
Air Traffic Division
Manager, Operations Branch (ASO-530.8)
P.O. Box 20636
Atlanta, Georgia 30320