FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCEasy
A dispatcher is planning a VFR cross-country flight that will pass through an active Military Operations Area (MOA). What is required for the flight to legally transit the MOA under VFR?
- ANo ATC clearance is required, but pilots should exercise extreme caution and contact the controlling agency for traffic advisories
- BThe flight must remain at least 10 nautical miles clear of the MOA boundary
- CVFR flight through a MOA is prohibited at all times regardless of activity status
- DA clearance from the controlling agency is mandatory before entry
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. No ATC clearance is required, but pilots should exercise extreme caution and contact the controlling agency for traffic advisories
A Military Operations Area (MOA) does not require ATC authorization for VFR aircraft to transit, unlike Restricted or Prohibited areas. However, since military training activity may include high-speed maneuvers, pilots are advised to check MOA status and contact the controlling agency for advisories before entering.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. There is no mandatory buffer distance requirement for VFR flight near a MOA.
- C. VFR flight through an active MOA is permitted, just not recommended without caution.
- D. Clearance is required for Restricted/Prohibited areas, not MOAs.
Military Operations Area (MOA)
Special use airspace established to separate military training activities from IFR traffic; VFR flight is permitted at any time but caution is advised.
- No ATC clearance required for VFR entry
- IFR aircraft may be routed through or around by ATC
- Pilots should check MOA status and get traffic advisories from controlling agency
- Different from Restricted/Prohibited areas which do require authorization
Memory trick: 'MOA = Mostly Open Airspace' — advisory only, not a barrier