Alaska radar testing resumes at Clear
The Missile Defense Agency of the Department of Defense will conduct tests of the Clear Long Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) in Alaska this June.
A pair of Learjets will be flying race-track patterns near Clear, Alaska, oriented on different radials from the radar during testing flights in June, typically higher than 10,000 feet msl. Missile Defense Agency diagram.
A pair of Learjets operating out of Fairbanks will be flying race-track patterns oriented on different radials from the radar during testing flights. The jets will typically fly higher than 10,000 feet msl. These flight times are between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. local time. The airspace for testing includes an arc extending to about 45 miles north and west of the radar installation at Clear Air Force Station.
Radiation from the radar can damage avionics and other aircraft systems. Pilots operating in the area should watch for notams.
Tom George
AOPA Alaska Regional Manager
AOPA Alaska Regional Manager Tom George has covered Alaska issues for AOPA since 2001. He is a commercial multiengine rated pilot who flies a Cessna 185 for fun and to acquire vertical aerial photography.
