While planning a cross-country flight, a sport pilot notices a Military Operations Area (MOA) depicted on the sectional chart along the route. What action should the pilot take regarding the MOA?
- AThe pilot must file an IFR flight plan to transit the MOA
- BThe pilot must avoid the MOA entirely, as it is prohibited to VFR traffic
- CVFR flight is permitted through the MOA, but the pilot should exercise extreme caution and check for activity
- DThe pilot must obtain a clearance from ATC before entering the MOA
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. VFR flight is permitted through the MOA, but the pilot should exercise extreme caution and check for activity
A Military Operations Area (MOA) is not restricted or prohibited airspace; VFR pilots may fly through it without a clearance, but should exercise extreme caution because military aircraft may be conducting high-speed maneuvers. Pilots should check for MOA activity by contacting Flight Service or the controlling agency before entry.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An IFR flight plan is not required to transit a MOA.
- B. MOAs are not prohibited to civilian VFR traffic, unlike Prohibited or Restricted areas.
- D. No ATC clearance is required to enter a MOA under VFR.
Military Operations Area (MOA)
Special use airspace established to separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic; VFR flight is permitted without clearance, but caution is advised due to possible high-speed military maneuvers.
- No ATC clearance required for VFR flight
- Pilots should check activity status via Flight Service
- IFR traffic is separated from MOA activity by ATC
Memory trick: 'MOA: More Openness, but Alert!' — you can fly through, just watch out.