Lesson 35

MOAs and MTRs: Military Training Areas and Routes

In aviation, Military Operations Areas (MOAs) are spaces for military training, with potential high-speed activities. Meanwhile, Military Training Routes (MTRs) are low-level flight paths for military planes. In our discussion on MTRs, we’ll also cover the differences between Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

Military Operation Areas
Military Training Routes
Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

Study Guide

MOAs vs MTRs

Military MOAs and MTRs on FAA Sectional Charts

Military Operation Area (MOA):

  • Designated airspace zone where military aircraft engage in training exercises.
  • While authorization is not required, pilots must be vigilant due to the potential for high-speed and dynamic military activities.

Military Training Rout (MTR):

  • Designated flightpath corridors in the airspace where military aircraft conduct low-level (i.e. low altitude) training flights.
  • Pilots must be vigilant and aware of potential low-flying military traffic.
  • The two types of Military Training Routes are known as IFR (Instrument Flight Rule) corridors, and VFR (Visual Flight Rule) corridors. (More on this further down in the lesson)

MOAs

Checking on MOAs Active Times:

How do you find out if the SUNNY MOA is active?

  • MOA information can be found border of the sectional chart, telling you its name, altitude, operational hours, radio frequency, and the control facility.
  • Call 1-800-WX-BRIEF
  • Visit the FAA’s notams.faa.gov and click on the MOAs button.

Figure 1

SUNNY MOA

Figure 2

BORDER OF SECTIONAL CHART

2 Types of MTRs

VFRs vs IFRs

Visual Flight Rules (VFR):

  • Requires clear weather and good visibility in order to rely solely on eye sight when in flight.
  • Restrict their movements to the lower space beneath 1,500 feet AGL.
    • VFR areas are dangerous to sUA flight given they start at the surface and extend up to 1,500 feet so your flight operation would clearly be happening in their path.

Instrument Flight Rules (IFR):

  • Allows flight with less visibility and in various weather conditions since you are flying with the aid of instruments.
  • Chart the upper airspace above 1,500 feet AGL.

IFR and VFR Routes on Sectional Charts

In sectional charts, you’ll see labels like IFR (IR) and VFR (VR) followed by a number. These indicate specific routes for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Additionally, there are lines with arrows, which help to show the direction of these routes.

VFR (Visual Flight Rules)

IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)

Practice Quiz

MOAs and MTRs

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3. What precautions should a drone operator take when flying near a designated MOA?

A. No specific precautions are required for drone operators near MOAs.

B. Notify the nearest air traffic control tower and proceed with the flight as planned.

C. Exercise extreme caution, check for active MOA times, and consider alternative routes or avoiding the area.

Correct Answer: C. Exercise extreme caution, check for active MOA times, and consider alternative routes or avoiding the area.

Description: When flying near a designated Military Operating Area (MOA), drone operators should exercise extreme caution. It is essential to check for active MOA times, as military aircraft activities may pose risks to drone operations. Considering alternative routes or avoiding the MOA altogether enhances the safety of both drone operations and manned aircraft within the designated area.

What regulations govern the operation of drones in or near Military Operating Areas (MOAs)?

A. There are no specific regulations for drone operations near MOAs.

B. Part 107 regulations do not apply in MOAs; only military guidelines are relevant.

C. Part 107 regulations apply, and drone pilots must comply with airspace restrictions and obtain necessary authorizations.

Correct Answer:
C. Part 107 regulations apply, and drone pilots must comply with airspace restrictions and obtain necessary authorizations.

Description:
Drone operations in or near Military Operating Areas (MOAs) are governed by Part 107 regulations. Drone pilots must comply with airspace restrictions, be aware of MOA operating hours, and obtain necessary authorizations from controlling agencies when required. Adhering to Part 107 regulations ensures safe and lawful drone operations within MOA airspace.

Click image to expand

(Refer to Figure 59, area 2) The chart shows a gray line with “VR1667, VR1617, VR1638, and VR 1668.” Could this area present a hazard to the operations of a small UA?

A. No, all operations will be above 400 feet
B. Yes, this is a Military Training Route from 1,500 feet AGL
C. Yes, the defined route provides traffic separation to manned aircraft.

Answer: B. Yes, this is a Military Training Route from 1,500 feet AGL.

Description:
It is important to understand this because low-flying military helicoptors may be flying this route, often at 400 feet or below.

VRs vs IRs:
> MTRs with no segment above 1,500 ft AGL must be identified by four numbers (i.e. IR1206, VR1207)
> MTRs that include one or more segments above 1,500 ft AGL must be identified by three numbers (i.e. IR206, VR207).

Click image to expand

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

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

B. This information is available in the Small UAS database

C. In the Military Operation Directory

Answer: A

Explanation:
An MOA, or Military Operating Area, details can be located on the sectional chart’s border, providing information such as the MOA’s name, operating altitude, time of use, radio frequency, and the controlling/contact facility overseeing the MOA.

Watch out for these tricks too. Answers B and C are not possible because there is no such thing as either.

  • Small UAS database – There is no such thing.
  • Military Operation Directory – There is no such thing.

How might the presence of an active MOA impact a drone pilot’s decision-making regarding altitude and route planning?

A. The drone can fly at any altitude since MOAs are exclusively for manned aircraft.
B. The drone should maintain the maximum allowed altitude as specified in Part 107 regulations.
C. The drone should avoid the MOA or fly at an altitude specified in the sectional chart and exercise caution.

Correct Answer: C. The drone should avoid the MOA or fly at an altitude specified in the sectional chart and exercise caution.

Description: When there is an active Military Operating Area (MOA), drone pilots should avoid the area if possible. If it is necessary to fly within or near an MOA, the drone should operate at an altitude specified on the sectional chart. Additionally, exercising caution and being aware of potential military aircraft activities is crucial for ensuring safe drone operations in the vicinity of MOAs.