FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsMedium
A remote pilot planning a coastal inspection flight notices a charted 'WARNING AREA' extending from 3 to 12 nautical miles offshore. What does this designation indicate?
- AIt marks a wildlife refuge where all flights below 2,000 feet are prohibited
- BThe area may contain activity hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft, located in international or offshore domestic airspace
- CThe airspace is closed to all aircraft due to a permanent hazard
- DIt functions identically to a Class D surface area requiring ATC clearance
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The area may contain activity hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft, located in international or offshore domestic airspace
Warning areas are established beyond the 3 nautical mile limit, in international or domestic offshore waters, containing activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft; they are advisory in nature similar to restricted areas but exist because the U.S. cannot regulate foreign/international airspace exclusively.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Wildlife refuges are a separate voluntary flight-avoidance recommendation, not a warning area.
- C. Warning areas are not closed airspace, just advisory of hazards.
- D. Warning areas do not require ATC clearance like Class D surface areas.
Warning Area
Airspace of defined dimensions extending from 3 NM outward from the coast, containing activity hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft, established in international or offshore domestic airspace.
- Located beyond the U.S. 3 NM territorial limit
- Designated with a 'W' followed by a number
- Not regulatory but advises pilots of potential hazards
- Similar in purpose to a restricted area but over water/international airspace
Memory trick: Warning = 'Watch the Water' hazards offshore