FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationMedium
A pilot's planned route crosses an area charted on the sectional as an 'Alert Area.' What is the significance of this airspace to the pilot?
- AThe area is permanently closed to all civil aircraft operations
- BThe area contains a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity, and pilots should exercise vigilance but no clearance is required
- CATC clearance is required before entering the area
- DThe area is reserved solely for parachute jump operations at all times
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The area contains a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity, and pilots should exercise vigilance but no clearance is required
Alert Areas advise pilots of airspace with a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity. Entry is not restricted, and no clearance is needed, but pilots should exercise extra vigilance for the activity described.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Alert Areas remain open to civil traffic, unlike Prohibited Areas.
- C. Alert Areas do not require ATC clearance, unlike Restricted Areas.
- D. Parachute jump areas are marked with a different chart symbol.
Alert Area
Special use airspace depicted on charts to inform pilots of a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity; entry is not restricted.
- Charted with letter 'A' and a number
- No ATC clearance required to enter
- Pilots must exercise extreme caution
- All activity is conducted under FAA regulations
Memory trick: Alert = Attention needed, not authorization