FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationHard
A pilot planning a cross-country route notices the course crosses a Restricted Area charted with the note 'Intermittent by NOTAM.' What should the pilot do before flying through this area?
- AAvoid the area entirely, since restricted areas are always active regardless of NOTAM status
- BFly through at any altitude above 3,000 feet AGL to remain clear of restricted activity
- CProceed through the area since restricted areas only apply to IFR traffic
- DContact the controlling agency or Flight Service to determine if the area is currently active
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Contact the controlling agency or Flight Service to determine if the area is currently active
When a Restricted Area shows activity times as 'intermittent by NOTAM,' its status can change, so a pilot must check with the controlling agency or Flight Service Station to determine whether it is currently active before transiting it. Entering an active restricted area without clearance can put the aircraft in a hazardous, and illegal, situation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Restricted areas are not always active; status must be verified, not assumed constant.
- B. Altitude alone does not guarantee separation from restricted area activities, which can extend vertically.
- C. Restricted areas apply to all aircraft, VFR and IFR alike.
Restricted Area (Special Use Airspace)
Restricted Areas contain unusual, often invisible hazards such as artillery firing; entry without authorization from the controlling agency can be dangerous and is prohibited when active.
- Depicted with blue hatched lines and 'R-' designator on charts
- Activity times may be continuous or listed as 'by NOTAM'
- Pilots must confirm status with controlling agency or FSS before entry
Memory trick: Restricted = 'Really dangerous, Request permission first'