Entering and Activating Low-Level Routes and Special Use Airspace
OBJECTIVE
Instruct trainees on procedures for safely entering, navigating, and activating low-level military training routes (MTRs) and special use airspace (SUA), including regulatory compliance and communications, to enable low-altitude VFR operations in virtual simulations.
CONTENT
Low-Level Routes Overview
- • Types: Visual Routes (VR) for VFR below 1,500 ft AGL at speeds around 360 knots; Instrument Routes (IR) for IFR; published on low-altitude enroute charts with entry/exit points.
- • Planning: Check AP/1B for route details, altitudes, widths; verify activation via NOTAMs or Flight Service Station (FSS).
MILITARY TRAINING ROUTE TYPES
VR (Visual Route)
VFR operations below 1,500 ft AGL
Plan for 360 knots
IR (Instrument Route)
IFR operations
Various altitudes
Special Use Airspace (SUA) Types
- • Military Operations Areas (MOAs): For military training, VFR entry allowed but contact controlling agency; visibility 3 SM, clear of clouds.
- • Restricted Areas: Prohibited without permission; check schedules.
- • Alert Areas, Prohibited Areas, and Warning Areas: Self-announce on CTAF; avoid active times.
SUA QUICK REFERENCE
Entry and Activation Procedures
- • For MTRs: Enter at published fix, maintain assigned altitude/speed; monitor frequency for traffic.
- • Activation: Schedule via base ops or FSS; communicate entry/exit.
- • Navigation: Use GPS or visual references; maintain terrain awareness.
EXAMPLE ENTRY CALL
"Any Aircraft, All Aircraft, BULLY51, type T-38, entering VR-123 at point Alpha, 1000 ft AGL."
EXAMPLE EXIT CALL
"Any Aircraft, All Aircraft, BULLY51, type T-38, exiting VR-123 at point Golf, 1000 ft AGL."
Communications and Safety
- • Use assigned frequencies for see-and-avoid calls; report position periodically.
- • Hazards: Bird strikes, wires, weather; mitigations include pre-flight briefs and altitude buffers.
SUA COMMUNICATIONS EXAMPLES
Scenario 1: MOA/MTA/Warning/Alert/Restricted Request
Use this format when requesting activation and clearance to operate within Special Use Airspace.
MILITARY AIRCRAFT REQUEST
"Center/Departure, BULLY 1-1, requests WESTOVER ONE MOA activation block level 9000-FL180"
ATC REPLY
"BULLY 1-1, Center/Departure, cleared to operate within the confines of the WESTOVER ONE MOA, 9000 to 18,000, (area name) altimeter ##.##, advise 5 minutes prior to exit, change to tactical approved, (and monitor this frequency for advisories)"
MILITARY AIRCRAFT READBACK
"Cleared 9000 block 1-8, advise 5 minutes prior to exit, BULLY 1-1"
Scenario 2: MOA/MTA/Warning/Alert/Restricted Activation
Use this format to confirm the SUA is now hot and active.
MILITARY AIRCRAFT CALL
"Center/Departure, BULLY 1-1, show WESTOVER ONE MOA as hot and active at this time"
ATC REPLY
"BULLY 1-1, Center/Departure, showing WESTOVER ONE MOA as hot and active."
MILITARY AIRCRAFT READBACK
No readback required
Scenario 3: Exiting the MOA/MTA/Warning/Alert/Restricted
Use this format when departing the SUA and requesting routing.
MILITARY AIRCRAFT CALL
"Center/Departure, BULLY 1-1, ## Miles (direction) from the ___ VOR, FL###, WESTOVER ONE MOA COLD, request (routing or direct to base)"
ATC REPLY
"BULLY 1-1, Center/Departure, roger, WESTOVER ONE MOA cold and inactive, (provide appropriate routing instructions for request and conditions)"
MILITARY AIRCRAFT READBACK
"Cleared to/via (route as instructed), BULLY 1-1"
SUA STATUS TERMINOLOGY
Active operations
Inactive
Altitude range
Interflight freq
COMPLETION STANDARDS
Trainees will demonstrate knowledge of low-level routes and SUA through charting exercises and discussions. Trainees must:
- • Correctly identify three SUA types
- • Outline entry procedures for a sample MTR
- • Explain activation steps and safety mitigations per FAA and DoD standards
Completion: Demonstrate understanding through discussion and scenario exercises