Chapter 26. Alert Areas

Section 1. General

26-1-1. DEFINITION

An alert area is airspace wherein a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aeronautical activity is conducted.

26-1-2. PURPOSE

Alert areas are designated to inform nonparticipating pilots of areas that contain a high volume of pilot training operations, or an unusual type of aeronautical activity, that they might not otherwise expect to encounter. Pilots are advised to be particularly alert when flying in these areas.

26-1-3. LOCATION

Alert areas must not extend into Class A, B, C, and D airspace, or Class E airport surface areas. To the extent possible, alert areas should avoid Federal airways, major terminal areas, and high volume VFR routes. Once an alert area is designated, the establishment of Federal airways through such areas should be kept to a minimum.

26-1-4. ACTIVITIES

a. Only those activities that do not pose a hazard to other aircraft may be conducted in an alert area.

b. All alert area activities must be conducted in accordance with visual flight rules, and in compliance with applicable Sections of 14 CFR.

c. Flight Service Stations may broadcast information regarding alert area activities as circumstances dictate.

26-1-5. IDENTIFICATION

Alert areas must be identified by the letter “A" prefix followed by a dash, a two or three digit number, a location, and the two-letter state abbreviation (e.g., A-292, Pensacola, FL). A letter suffix is used to indicate subdivisions. Identification numbers are assigned by Airspace Regulations and ATC Procedures Group. Aeronautical charts must be annotated to reflect the type of activity conducted in the alert area.