FAA(Refer to FAA-CT-8080-2H, Figure 21.) You have been hired by a farmer to use your small UA to inspect his crops. The area that you are to survey is in the Devil's Lake West MOA, east of area 2. How would you find out if the MOA is active?
- ✅A:Refer to the chart legend.
- ❌B:This information is available in the Small UAS database.
- ❌C:Refer to the Military Operations Directory.
FAA-CT-8080-2H Figure 21 Area 2E - Click to enlarge.
Answer Figure
Click to enlarge answer figure
Explanations
- A: Correct. The chart legend on sectional charts provides information about the activation schedules and controlling agency contact info for MOAs. This is critical to ensure safety, avoid potential collisions with military aircraft, and maintain regulatory compliance. In a business context, knowing how to read and interpret this information can prevent operational delays and potential fines.
- B: Incorrect. The Small UAS database does not include real-time MOA status. Relying on this could lead to safety risks and regulatory violations. For a commercial drone operator, this could result in business interruptions, potential fines, and damage to reputation.
- C: Incorrect. The Military Operations Directory is not a resource for pilots to verify MOA activity. Misunderstanding this could lead to safety hazards and regulatory non-compliance, which could negatively impact business operations and profitability.
🧭 Instructor Note
Why This Matters for Your Business
Understanding how to determine the activation status of a Military Operations Area (MOA) is vital for commercial drone operations. Incorrectly interpreting this information can lead to safety risks, regulatory violations, and potential business interruptions.
Safety & Liability Considerations
Flying a drone in an active MOA can lead to potential collisions with high-speed military aircraft. This not only poses a safety risk but could also result in significant liability issues, including damage claims and potential legal action.
Consider This Scenario
A commercial drone operator is hired to conduct a crop inspection in an area located within the Devil's Lake West MOA. The operator checks the sectional chart legend to verify the MOA's activation status before commencing the operation. By doing so, the operator ensures safety, maintains regulatory compliance, and avoids potential operational delays.
What the FAA is Testing
The FAA wants to ensure that remote pilots understand where to find information about MOA activation status and the importance of this information for safe and compliant operations.
Business Success Strategy
Always check the MOA activation status before conducting operations in or near a MOA. This will help maintain safety, avoid potential fines, and ensure smooth business operations.
Memory Aid
MOA - Military Operating Area. Check the chart. Check NOTAMs to see when the area is active.
Enhanced References
FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide, Section on MOAs; FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-57B, Section on Operating Near Other Aircraft.
Related Concepts
- Understanding MOA activation schedules
- Interpreting sectional chart legends
- Importance of real-time MOA status for safe operations
ACS Code: UA.II.A.K2
Difficulty: basic