AIM Text
- MOAs 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.
- Examples of activities conducted in MOAs include, but are not limited to: air combat tactics, air intercepts, aerobatics, formation training, and low-altitude tactics. Military pilots flying in an active MOA are exempted from the provisions of 14 CFR section 91.303(c) and (d) which prohibits aerobatic flight within Class D and Class E surface areas, and within Federal airways. Additionally, the Department of Defense has been issued an authorization to operate aircraft at indicated airspeeds in excess of 250 knots below 10,000 feet MSL within active MOAs.
- Pilots operating under VFR should exercise extreme caution while flying within a MOA when military activity is being conducted. The activity status (active/inactive) of MOAs may change frequently. Therefore, 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.
- Permanent MOAs are charted on Sectional Aeronautical, VFR Terminal Area, and the appropriate En Route Low Altitude charts.
Source: FAA Aeronautical Information Manual · current edition · paragraph 3-4-5.
Research Notes
AIM 3-4-5 covers MOAs — Military Operations Areas where military training occurs.
MOA characteristics:
- Established to confine military training activities
- Common activities: low-altitude high-speed flight, air-to-air training, military intercepts
- Identified by name and effective hours on sectional charts
- NOTAMs issued when active outside published hours
VFR in active MOAs: NOT prohibited. Civilians may operate VFR through active MOAs. However:
- Exercise extreme caution — military aircraft may be operating at high speed
- Consider altitude separation from MOA traffic
- Monitor the appropriate ATC frequency for advisories
IFR in active MOAs: ATC will provide traffic advisories and may route IFR aircraft around the MOA or above it.