AOPA is opposing the proposed expansion of special-use airspace around Shaw Air Force Base and is seeking changes to preserve general aviation access to airspace in South Carolina. The plan was outlined in a draft environmental impact statement (EIS).
"The expansion and creation of several military operations areas (MOAs) would severely compress GA traffic and restrict access to several prominent Victor airways," said Heidi Williams, AOPA director of air traffic services. "AOPA is suggesting a number of changes that include raising the floor of that airspace to allow GA to transit the area and maintain access to those Victor airways."
AOPA has requested that the military create a procedure that prevents the Gamecock E and Poinsett MOAs from being active at the same time. If both were in use, or hot, at the same time, GA access to V3-157 would be limited.
The association also wants the floor of the Bulldog B MOA raised to 7,000 feet msl instead of the proposed 3,000 feet agl to allow access to V70.
An agreement between air traffic control and Shaw Air Force Base prohibits operations below 12,000 feet msl in the Gamecock D MOA, so AOPA is opposing a proposal that would unnecessarily lower the floor to 8,000 feet msl.
October 27, 2005