United StatesArmyAviationCenter
Fort Rucker, Alabama
APRIL 2005
STUDENT HANDOUT
TITLE: REGULATIONS FOR ARMY AIRCRAFT
FILE NUMBER: 63-0595-9
PROPONENT FOR THIS STUDENT HANDOUT IS:
Aviation Training Brigade
ATTN: ATZQ-ATB-AD
Fort Rucker, Alabama36362-5000
FOREIGN DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: This product/publication has been reviewed by the product developers in coordination with the USAAVNC foreign disclosure authority. This product is releasable to students from all requesting foreign countries without restrictions.
NOTES
TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE (TLO):
At the completion of this lesson the student will:
ACTION: Determine requirements to operate in the National Airspace System (NAS).
CONDITION: While performing instructor pilot/examiner duties.
STANDARD: In accordance with (IAW) FAR'S parts 71, 73, 91, AR 95-1 and DOD Flip.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None.
RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL: Low.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: None
EVALUATION: After completing 2699-3, Weather Flight Planning Seminar, and 2698-4, Flight Information Publication Seminar, each student will be evaluated on this block of instruction by completing a 50 minute Criterion Test. The test consists of 35 questions divided into 3 scoreable units. Each student must receive a GO on each scoreable unit to successfully complete the examination.
A.ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #1:
ACTION: Determine IFR routing requirements in the National Airspace System (NAS).
CONDITION: From memory.
STANDARD: In accordance with (IAW) FAR Part 71 and FAR Part 91.
1.Learning Step/Activity – Select altitudes associated with the published route structure within the NAS (FAR 71.73 and 71.75).
a.High - that part of Class A airspace which extends from 18,000' MSL up to and including FL 450. Jet routes, as VOR airways, are predicated solely on VOR or VORTAC facilities. Altitudes are based on use of pressure altitudes (QNE altimeter settings) and referred to as flight levels. Unless otherwise authorized, all persons must operate their aircraft under IFR. Jet routes have no defined width.
b.Low - that part of Class E airspace which extends from the designated floor (normally 1,200 feet AGL) up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL excluding prohibited areas. Victor airways are predicated solely on VOR and VORTAC facilities or colored airways based on L/MF facilities. Altitudes are based on local altimeter settings (QNH).
NOTE: Federal Airways – includes the airspace within parallel boundary lines 4 nautical miles on each side of the centerline. System accuracy lines diverging at 4.5 degrees from centerline at navigational aids cause the airway width to change at 51 nautical miles. At 130 nautical miles from the facility, the airway extends approximately 10 nautical miles on either side of the centerline.
2.Learning Step/Activity – Select the requirements for IFR flight on an unpublished route (FAR 91.177).
a.Definition - a route for which no minimum altitude is published or charted for pilot use. It may include a direct route between navigational aids, a radial, a radar vector, or a final approach course beyond the segments of an instrument approach procedure.
b.Dimensions - For planning purposes, unpublished routes are 8 miles wide (4 nautical miles either side of centerline of the course to be flown), with distances based on NAVAID service volume. In controlled airspace, the controller will protect airspace in the same manner as for published routes.
(1)Mountainous area (designated in Part 95) requires 2000 feet above the highest obstacle in the required area.
(2)In any other case (flat terrain) require 1000 feet above the highest obstacle in the required area.
c.Service volume (Radio class code)(IFR-S, AIM, and FM 1-240).
(1)VOR/TACAN/DME.
(2)Low/Medium frequency beacon.
B.ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #2:
ACTION: Select airspace requirements within the NAS.
CONDITION: From memory.
STANDARD: In accordance with (IAW) with FAR Part 71 and 91.
a.Class G airspace - all airspace not assigned Class A, B, C, D, or E.
(1)Designated from the surface to the floor of overlying controlled airspace.
(2) Air Traffic Control (ATC) has no authority nor do they accept responsibility for operation. However, upon request ATC will provide limited services based on workload.
(3)At locations within airspace E and G where towers are located, FAR's requires communication be established prior to 4 NM from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL (FAR Part 91.126/127).
b.Class E airspace - general controlled airspace of the United States, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska, extending upward from 14,500 feet MSL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL, and the airspace above FL600, excluding – (1) the Alaska peninsula west of longitude 16000’00”W., (2) airspace below 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth.
(1)En Route Domestic Areas. There are Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude (generally 1,200 feet AGL) and are enroute domestic airspace areas that provide controlled airspace in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR enroute ATC services but the Federal airway system is inadequate.
(2)Offshore Airspace Areas. There are Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude to, but not including 18,000 feet MSL and are designated as offshore airspace areas. These areas provide controlled airspace beyond 12 miles from the coast of the U.S. in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services and within which the U.S. is applying domestic procedures.
(3)Federal airways. The Federal airways are Class E airspace areas and, unless otherwise specified, extend upward from 1,200 feet to, but not including 18,000 feet MSL. The colored airways are green, red, amber, and blue. The VOR airways are classified as Domestic, Alaskan, and Hawaiian.
(4)Airspace used for transition. 700/1,200-foot airspace areas are used for transitioning aircraft to/from the terminal or en route environment.
(5)Surface area designated for an airport.
(a)Designated for an airport without a control tower with extensions outward as required to protect IFR traffic.
1.Need (generally IFR traffic).
2.Weather observing and reporting capability. A federally certified weather observer or a federally commissioned automated weather observing system (AWOS-3/ASOS acceptable).
3.Instrument procedure or support an instrument procedure.
4.Communications either direct or by rapid relay to the surface of the runway.
(b)An arrival extension shall be established to the point where an IFR flight on an instrument approach can be expected to descend to less than 1,000 feet above the surface. If all arrival extensions are 2 NM or less, they will remain part of the basic Class D area. If any extension is greater than 2 NM, then all extensions will be Class E airspace. Extensions outward from Class B, C, or D airspace protect IFR arriving and departing traffic without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating under VFR.
(c)May be designated when tower closes within Class D airspace.
c.Class D airspace - at least one primary airport around which the airspace is designated.
(1)Dimensions - lateral dimensions specified per airport based on instrument procedures with general upper limit of 2,500 feet AGL. May include extensions up to 2 NM. If an extension of more than 2 NM is necessary, all extensions will become surface based Class E airspace. Shelving and/or cutouts are used to exclude satellite airports.
(2)Special requirements - operating control tower required, must have weather observation and reporting capability (AWOS-3/ASOS is acceptable).
(3)Airports with part-time control towers are Class D when the tower is in operation and may be Class E or G when the tower is not in operation. Requirements for surface based Class E airspace must be met or the airspace at the surface is Class G.
(4)Must establish two-way communication with ATC prior to entering that airspace, and thereafter maintain those communications while within that airspace.
d.Class C airspace.
(1)Definition. Generally, that airspace from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and that have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger enplanements. Although the configuration of each Class C airspace area is individually tailored, the airspace usually consists of a 5 NM radius core surface area that extends from the surface up to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation, and a 10 NM radius shelf area that extends from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation.
(2)Outer area has a radius of 20 NM and extends from the lower limit of radar/radio coverage up to the ceiling of the approach control airspace.
(3)Special requirements.
(a)Must establish two-way radio communication with ATC prior to operation in the inner or outer circle and transponder with mode C. Transponder also required above Class C airspace up to 10,000 MSL.
(b)Participation in the outer area is not mandatory.
e.Class B airspace.
(1)Generally, that airspace from the surface to 10,000’ MSL surrounding the nation’s busiest airports in terms of IFR operations or passenger enplanements. The configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually tailored and consists of a surface area and two or more layers and is designed to contain all published instrument procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace.
(2)Special requirements.
(a)Pilot-in-command of civil aircraft must possess at least a private pilot certificate (exceptions for student pilots or recreational pilot seeking a private pilot certificate at certain areas).
(b)Equipment - transponder with Mode C within 30 NM (exceptions for specific locations within Class B area), two-way radio for communication with ATC for all operations, and VOR or TACAN for IFR operations.
(c)Must establish communications and receive appropriate ATC clearance prior to operation within the Class B airspace area.
(d)Operate clear of clouds with 3 statute miles visibility and the requirements of FAR 91.155(c) and (d).
f.Class A airspace. That airspace of the United States, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States, from 18,000 feet MSL to and including FL600.
(1)In Alaska, 18,000 feet to and including FL 600 excluding airspace below 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth and the Alaska Peninsula west of longitude 16000’00” West.
(2)Operating requirements.
(a)Under instrument flight rule.
(b)With an ATC clearance.
(c)Must have communications with ATC.
(d)Mode 3/A transponder with Mode C.
C.ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #3:
ACTION: Select the basic VFR requirements within the NAS.
CONDITION: Without the use of notes.
STANDARD: In accordance with (IAW) AR 95-1, FAR Part 91.155, and FAR Part 91.157.
1.Learning Step/Activity – Determine Basic VFR weather minimums. (91.155)
a.VFR flight weather minimum requirement, 18,000 ft and above. Unless specifically authorized no VFR or VFR on Top permitted in Class A airspace.
b.VFR flight weather minimum requirements, more than 1,200 ft above the surface and at or above 10,000 ft MSL, Class E and G, 5 SM visibility and a cloud clearance of 1000 ft below, 1000 ft above and 1 SM horizontal.
c.VFR flight weather minimum requirements, less than 10,000 ft MSL.
(1)Controlled airspace, 3 SM visibility and a cloud clearance of 500 ft below, 1000 ft above and 2000 ft horizontal except, in Class B, clear of clouds and 3 SM visibility.
(2)Uncontrolled airspace, below 10,000 ft but above 1,200 ft AGL.
(a)Day - 1 SM visibility and a cloud clearance of 500 ft below, 1000 ft above and 2000 ft horizontal.
(b)Night - 3 SM visibility and a cloud clearance of 500 ft below, 1000 ft above and 2000 ft horizontal.
d.VFR flight weather minimum requirements, 1,200 ft or less above the surface (regardless of MSL) in class G airspace.
(1)Helicopters. A helicopter may be operated clear of clouds if operated at a speed that allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any air traffic or obstruction in time to avoid a collision.
(2)AR 95-1 table 5-1 in G (Rotary Wing) 1,200’ or less above surface (regardless of MSL) has clear of clouds with Day visibility of 1/2 SM and Night visibility of 1 SM.
2.Learning Step/Activity – Determine Special VFR weather minimums. (91.157)
a.Special VFR. Special VFR operations may be conducted under the weather minimums and requirements of this section, instead of those contained in §91.155, below 10,000 feet MSL within the airspace contained by the upward extension of the lateral boundaries of the controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport.
b.Special VFR operations may only be conducted-
(1)With an ATC clearance:
(2)Clear of clouds.
NOTE: FAR 91.157 does not require a visibility minimum for helicopters, however, the Army does.
(3)Army helicopter SVFR: (AR 95-1) Chapter 5 (planning, departure, arrival) - Clear of clouds and 1/2 SM visibility unless a higher minimum is required at the airfield.
D.ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #4:
ACTION: Identify Special Use Airspace.
CONDITION: Without the use of notes.
STANDARD: In accordance with (IAW) FAR Part 73, FAR Part 91, and DOD FLIP.
a.Special use airspace. Definition - airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth wherein activities must be confined because of their nature, or wherein limitations are imposed upon aircraft operations that are not part of those activities, or both. Source publications are FAR Part 73 and DOD FLIP AP-1A.
b.Prohibited area. (FAR Part 73.81)
(1)No person may operate an aircraft within a prohibited area unless authorization has been granted by using agency.
(2)Such areas are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare.
c.Restricted area. (FAR Part 73.11)
(1)No person may operate on aircraft within a restricted area between the designated altitudes and during the time of designation, unless he has the advance permission of the using agency or controlling agency.
(2)Denotes the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft such as artillery, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles. Areas designated by lateral, vertical, and time restrictions. Some aircraft may be operating not in compliance with 91.117 (airspeed > 250 knots).
(3)Aviator must obtain permission to fly in restricted area VFR.
(4)ATC will obtain clearance for joint use restricted area for IFR. ATC cannot obtain clearance for sole use restricted area.
d.Warning area.
(1)Airspace of defined dimensions, extending from three nautical miles outward from the coast of the U.S., that contains activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft.
(2)The purpose of such warning areas is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger. A warning area may be located over domestic or international waters or both.
(3)DOD aircraft are required to coordinate with the appropriate Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC) prior to operating in most Warning Areas.
e.Military operations area.
(1)MOA’s 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.
(2)Activities conducted in MOA’s include but not limited to: air combat tactics, air intercepts, aerobatics, formation training, and low-altitude tactics. Military pilots fling in an active MOA are exempted from the provisions of FAR Part 91.303(c) and (d) which prohibit acrobatic flight. DOD has been issued an authorization to operate aircraft at indicated airspeeds in excess of 250 knots below 10,000' MSL.
(3)Pilots operating under VFR should exercise extreme caution while flying within a MOA when military activity is being conducted. 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.
f.Alert area.
(1)Airspace that may contain a high volume of pilot training activities or an unusual type of aerial activity, neither of which is hazardous to aircraft. Pilots should be particularly alert when flying in these areas.
(2)All activities within an Alert Area shall be conducted in accordance with CFR’s, without waiver, and pilots of participating aircraft as well as pilots transiting the area shall be equally responsible for collision avoidance.
g.Controlled Firing Areas (CFA) - activities which, if not conducted in a controlled environment, could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The distinguishing feature of the CFA, as compared to other special use airspace, is that its activities are suspended immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate an aircraft might be approaching the area.
E.ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVE (ELO) #5:
ACTION: Identify other airspace areas.
CONDITION: Without the use of notes.
STANDARD: In accordance with (IAW) DOD FLIP and AIM.
a.Airport advisory areas/local airport advisory (LAA).
(1)LAA is a service operated within 10 statue miles of an airport where a control tower is not operating but where a FSS is located on the airport. The advisory area begins at the surface and has no upper limits.
(2)It is not mandatory that pilots participate in the Airport advisory programs. Participation enhances safety for everyone and is encouraged.
b.Military training routes are airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established for the conduct of military flight training at airspeeds in excess of 250 knots IAS. The required maneuvers and high speeds are such that they may occasionally make the see-and-avoid aspect of VFR flight more difficult without increased vigilance in areas containing such operations.
(1)IR routes – Operations on these routes are conducted in accordance with IFR regardless of weather conditions.
(2)VR routes – Operation on these routes are conducted in accordance with VFR except flight visibility shall be 5 miles or more; and flights shall not be conducted below a ceiling of less than 3,000 feet AGL.
c.Temporary Flight Restrictions (FAR 91.137) - The FAA may impose temporary flight restrictions. Administrator will issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) designating an area within which temporary flight restrictions apply and specifying the hazard or condition requiring their imposition, whenever he determines it is necessary.
(1)Protect persons and property in the air or on the surface from an existing or imminent hazard associated with an incident on the surface when the presence of low flying aircraft would magnify, alter, spread, or compound that hazard.
(2)Provide a safe environment for the operation of disaster relief aircraft.