Alaska restricted area plan would compromise safety
A proposal to establish two restricted areas in interior Alaska has rekindled longstanding objections to safety and efficiency compromises that the plan would impose on general aviation operations.
The FAA has proposed establishing restricted area R-2201 on behalf of the U.S. Army, in airspace south and west of Allen Army Airfield and R-2205 on behalf of the U.S. Air Force, east of Eielson Air Force Base.
AOPA encourages members to review the proposals and submit comments by April 20 as provided below.
“Although AOPA strongly supports the Army and understands their need for training areas that reflect modern battlefield requirements, we have consistently voiced our opposition to the location of this Restricted Area complex as it will have a significant adverse impact on aviation in Alaska in terms of efficiency and safety,” said Rune Duke, AOPA director of airspace and air traffic, after reviewing the notice of proposed rulemaking for R-2201.
The combination of rapidly changing weather and the proposed placement of the two restricted areas—leaving only a narrow corridor between them for GA traffic—would create “a significant hazard for VFR pilots,” he wrote, urging the FAA to “limit the artificial restrictions that could make maneuvering flight difficult for those pilots needing to remain VFR in challenging conditions.”
“Restricting pilots to a narrow corridor between two Restricted Airspace complexes means a pilot may not be able to turn around safely should they encounter poor weather conditions,” Duke noted.
AOPA also has pointed out that as early as 2005, the association and other aviation stakeholders “went on record noting the negative impact that a Restricted Area in this location would have on civil aviation” in detailed comments on the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex Draft Environmental Impact Statement and the Alaska Civil/Military Aviation Council.
In 2011, AOPA requested that an ad-hoc user group be formed to discuss the concerns. However, “this offer was not accepted,” Duke noted, commenting on the current proposal.
Members may submit comments on R-2201 until April 20 online or by mail to U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001. Please identify FAA Docket No. FAA-2016-9495 and Airspace Docket No. 15-AAL-6 at the beginning of your comments.
To comment on the proposed R-2205, please refer to FAA Docket No. FAA-2016-9479 and Airspace Docket No. 15-AAL-4.
Please also share your comments with AOPA.
