Chapter 26. Alert Areas
Section 1. General
26-1-1. DEFINITION
An alert area is established to inform pilots of a specific area wherein a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aeronautical activity is conducted.
26-1-2. PURPOSE
- Alert areas are established 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.
- Alert areas should not be established in lieu of other special use airspace expressly defined and established for nonhazardous activities (e.g., MOAs) or for activities where other approved charting symbols are more appropriate (e.g., Parachute Jumping Areas, Glider Operating Areas).
26-1-3. 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 the Airspace Rules and Regulations Team, AJV-P21. Aeronautical charts must be annotated to reflect the type of activity conducted in the alert area.
26-1-4. 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 ATS routes, major terminal areas, charted terminal VFR routes, and uncharted known high volume VFR routes. Once an alert area is established, the designation of ATS routes through such areas should be kept to a minimum.
26-1-5. ACTIVITIES
- Only those activities that do not pose a hazard to other aircraft may be conducted in an alert area.
- All alert area activities must be conducted in accordance with VFR and in compliance with applicable Sections of 14 CFR, without waiver.
- Flight Service Stations may broadcast information regarding alert area activities upon request.