General Operations

What is a VFR Transit Lane? What’s their identifier? And, when are they active?

VFR Transit Lanes (identifier T) are areas of uncontrolled airspace established in controlled airspace to facilitate VFR Transit.

They are active only during daylight hours and are basically Class G airspace.

VFR aircraft don’t need a clearance to fly in a VFR Transit Lane, only during night when it becomes controlled airspace again.

Shown by Solid Blue Lines - The letter: “T” followed by a 3-digit figure and a name identifies the airspace, normally with “DAY” written to emphasise it’s availability during the day. For example: T187 Ronda

What is a General Aviation Areas (GAA)? And, what are the 3 types?

A General Aviation Area is an area in controlled airspace that is active only during the DAY and facilitates VFR Training within the Controlled Airspace.

There are 3 types of GAA:

1. Always Active.

2. Active when approved by ATC. VFR Pilot must obtain ATC approval for the activation of the GAA.

3. Active when you notify ATC. Pilot of VFR must notify ATC prior to entry that they will operate in the GAA and advise exiting.

What are the 7 types of Special Use Airspaces?

1. Danger Areas

2. Restricted Areas

3. Military Operating Areas

4. Volcanic Hazard Zones

5. Low Flying Zones

6. Common Frequency Zones

7. Mandatory Broadcasting Zones

Describe a Danger Area?

A danger area is established to warn pilots that a ‘danger to aviation’ may be present.

There are no restrictions to enter, however, you must be satisified that you have all of the information, when entering these areas.

They are either permanently active (H24) or active via NOTAM, normally with 24h notice, but sometimes not. Also all areas are listed in AIP ENR 5.1, Table 5.1-2.

Shown by Solid Red Line - The letter: “D” followed by a 3-digit figure and a name identifies the airspace. For example: D496

There may also be an icon/ pictorial showing the cause of danger, i.e: Gun to show a gun range.

Describe a Restricted Area?

A restricted area is an area which restricts aircraft activity in the interest of the public, aviation safety, aviation security or national security.

Aircraft are not prohibited from operating in a restricted area, as long as you have prior authorisation from the designated Administering Authority.

They are either permanently active (H24) or active via NOTAM, normally with 24h notice, but sometimes not. Also all areas are listed in AIP ENR 5.1, Table 5.1-1.

Shown by Solid Red Line - The letter: “R” followed by a 3-digit figure and a name identifies the airspace. For example: R567

Describe a Military Operating Areas (MOA)?

A Military Operating area is an area have been established to encompass intensive military operations, including live firing.

Flight in an active MOA requires a clearance, either ATC, NZ Defence Force, Army or Air Force.

They are either permanently active (H24) or active via NOTAM, normally with 24h notice, but sometimes not. All areas are listed in AIP ENR 5.2, Table 5.2-1. This is where you will also find contact phone numbers.

Shown by Solid Red Line - The letter: “M” followed by a 3-digit figure and a name identifies the airspace. For example: M302

Describe a Volcanic Hazard Zone (VHZ)?

Volcanic Hazard Zones (VHZ) are established around volcanoes.

VHZs are permanent, but temporary VHZs may be established if necessary.

No Clearance is required, but flight through VHZ are permitted during daylight hours only and only in VMC.

All information relating to VHZ are listed in AIP ENR 5.3, Section 3. This includes All VHZs listed. Alert Levels

Shown by Solid Red Line - The letter: “V” followed by a 3-digit figure and a name identifies the airspace. For example: V215