FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsHard
A sport pilot is planning a VFR cross-country route that passes directly through an active Military Operations Area (MOA) shown as 'hot' on the sectional chart. What is the correct action for the pilot to take?
- AVFR flight is permitted through the MOA, but the pilot should contact the controlling agency for traffic advisories before entering
- BRequest and obtain ATC clearance before entering, as with a Restricted Area
- CAvoid the MOA entirely, since VFR flight is prohibited whenever it is active
- DFly through only above 10,000 feet MSL to remain clear of military traffic below
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. VFR flight is permitted through the MOA, but the pilot should contact the controlling agency for traffic advisories before entering
A Military Operations Area does not restrict or prohibit VFR flight; it simply indicates military training activity that may include high-speed maneuvers. Pilots may transit an active MOA under VFR but are strongly encouraged to contact the controlling agency for real-time traffic advisories before entering.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. No ATC clearance is legally required to enter a MOA, unlike a restricted area.
- C. MOAs do not prohibit VFR flight, unlike prohibited or restricted areas.
- D. There is no altitude-based rule requiring pilots to remain above 10,000 feet to avoid a MOA.
Military Operations Area (MOA)
Airspace established to separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic; VFR flight is permitted but caution is advised.
- No ATC clearance required for VFR flight
- Contact controlling agency for advisories when active ('hot')
- Different from Restricted or Prohibited Areas, which do restrict entry
Memory trick: 'MOA = Maybe OK, Ask the controller.'