FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium
A pilot notices a Military Operations Area (MOA) along the planned VFR route. What is the correct understanding of flight through this airspace?
- AVFR flight is prohibited without special authorization
- BMOAs are only active at night, so daytime transit is always safe
- CThe pilot must file a flight plan and receive an ATC clearance to enter
- DVFR flight is permitted, but pilots should exercise caution and contact the controlling agency for activity status
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. VFR flight is permitted, but pilots should exercise caution and contact the controlling agency for activity status
MOAs are established to separate military training activities from IFR traffic, but VFR flight is not restricted. Pilots are advised to contact the controlling agency (Flight Service or ATC) to check whether the MOA is active before transiting it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. MOAs do not prohibit VFR flight; special authorization is not required.
- B. MOA activity times vary and are not limited to nighttime; times are published in the chart data or by contacting Flight Service.
- C. No clearance or flight plan is required to enter a MOA under VFR.
Military Operations Area (MOA)
Special use airspace where military training activities occur; VFR flight is allowed but caution and traffic awareness are recommended.
- Depicted with magenta hatched lines and named on sectional charts
- Contact Flight Service or listed frequency to check activity status
- Military aircraft may be operating at high speeds or performing maneuvers
Memory trick: MOA: Maybe Others Around—look before you fly