FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsMedium
A remote pilot in command is planning a survey route that crosses a Military Operations Area (MOA) depicted on the sectional chart. The underlying airspace is Class G. What must the remote pilot do before flying through the MOA?
- ARequest authorization from the controlling military unit before every flight
- BMOAs are closed to all sUAS operations regardless of activity status
- CObtain a certificate of waiver from the FAA before entering the MOA
- DNo FAA authorization is required, but the pilot should check NOTAMs for MOA activity and exercise caution
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. No FAA authorization is required, but the pilot should check NOTAMs for MOA activity and exercise caution
A Military Operations Area does not require ATC or military authorization for VFR traffic, including sUAS operating under Part 107, when the underlying airspace does not otherwise require it. However, high-speed military traffic may be present when the MOA is active, so pilots should check NOTAMs and use extreme caution.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Military units do not grant clearance for sUAS operations under MOAs.
- B. MOAs are not closed airspace; they simply warn of military training activity.
- C. A waiver is only needed to exceed a regulatory limit, not simply to fly beneath an MOA.
Military Operations Area (MOA)
Airspace established to separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic; VFR flight, including sUAS, is permitted but caution is advised when active.
- No FAA authorization required for sUAS to operate under an MOA
- Check NOTAMs to see if the MOA is 'hot' (active)
- High-speed military aircraft may be operating within an active MOA
Memory trick: MOA = Military's Own Area, but you can still fly under it carefully.