Restricted airspace expanded due to radiation

With publication of the December 29 edition of the Fairbanks Sectional, the temporary flight restriction that has protected the airspace since March 2021 has been canceled. Pilots are encouraged to update their charts and study the structure of the airspace before flying in this area.

The newly expanded R-2206 has multiple segments that are activated at different times, both for routine testing of the system and in response to world events. Because of this complexity, the MDA and the FAA agreed to provide additional tools to help pilots determine the status of the airspace in real time. These include a radio frequency, dedicated to warning when certain segments of the airspace are active, and a lighting system. AOPA and the Alaska Airmen’s Association are continuing to work with the government agencies in getting additional information published on the details of these systems. When the radar is transmitting, the radiation intensity inside this airspace is strong enough to damage aircraft electronics, including radios and potentially electronic ignition systems.

The complexity of the airspace represents a series of compromises to allow flight operations along the Parks Highway, and to otherwise minimize the size of the area impacted, given the high frequency of flights along the Tanana Valley and through the Alaska Range to the south. AOPA appreciates the efforts of the MDA and the FAA in crafting this airspace as compactly as possible. The FAA issued a Letter to Airmen, which we encourage pilots to review, that provides an oblique view of the airspace along with additional details.