FAA seeks comments on Idaho military airspace changes
AOPA says that a proposal to expand and subdivide the Paradise Special Use Airspace (SUA) complex in southern Idaho contains design features that are "a step in the right direction." Pilots are encouraged to share comments with the FAA on the plan. AOPA Online.
In response, I submitted the following comments and received a reply back from AOPA. It is encouraging that AOPA is asking for comments and appears responsive to pilot input. It would be good if they receive a lot of comments regarding this so they know we are not asleep out here.
Regarding the Paradise MOA changes proposed by the USAF as noted in AOPA’s Online newsletter dated December 23rd, 2010:
I live in Elko Nevada putting this SUA complex basically in my backyard. As you know, this block of SUA includes, in addition to the Paradise MOA’s, Owyhee MOA, and Jarbidge MOA. These MOA’s lay between Boise Idaho and many Nevada towns such as Elko, Battle Mountain, Wells, Ely, and others. A problem exists with this SUA block because Jarbidge and Owyhee MOA’s begin at 100 feet AGL so VFR has little choice but to fly through the SUA en route to Boise.
The proposed changes to Paradise MOA’s should also include a VFR corridor through Jarbidge and Owyhee MOA’s to increase separation with military aircraft and improve flight safety. The proposed corridor could overlay Idaho State Highway 51 and Nevada State Highway 225. I respectfully oppose any changes to Paradise MOA’s unless this important corridor for VFR flight safety is included in the proposed changes.
AOPA's reply:
Thank you very much for sharing these comments with us. This type of local intelligence is extremely helpful in drafting our comments to the USAF. One of the major sticking points of this initiative is the charted times of use, which appear to be excessive. Your suggestion for a VFR corridor is an excellent an idea. It would certainly alleviate some of the compression issues this expansion would cause. I will continue to work on this issue and I appreciate your insight.
If I can be of any further assistance on this, or any other airspace issue, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Tom Kramer
Manager, Air Traffic Services
AOPA - Government Affairs
My Response:
Tom,
Thank you for the reply. You mention the times of operation. I have not yet seen those. Right now they use it only M-F from 8 to 5 Mountain Time. Weekend use would add even more conflict potential.
A lot of VFR traffic passes through the SUA in the summer from California to Central Idaho as well as the local traffic. Low altitude radio communication with Mountain Home approach is limited to about 40 miles from MHAFB so when entering the SUA from the south or west VFR traffic has passed through most of the area before even two-way communications can be established. MH approach usually turns communications over to Cowboy Range Control, but I have never seen that frequency published (although it may be).
Thank you very much your support.
I stop and explore around the Grasmere area a lot, too. Many times I'd park and get out of the truck and see and hear the jets flying around at all altitudes. So a corridor would be an excellent idea along the highway between Elko and Mt. Home. Other wise, even today, be on the look out for military activity! Trust me, they are there!!
