Pilots keep access to Outer Banks

Pilots keep access to Outer Banks

Members and birds can "fly easy" over the Outer Banks, North Carolina, area since the Marines dropped its proposed Gunny Military Operations Area (MOA). AOPA had opposed the proposal for years because the 3,000- foot floor of the MOA would have negatively impacted general aviation pilots trying to fly under the airspace. Pilots flying in that area must stay at least 2,000 feet above ground level because of the wildlife refuge areas. Environmental groups in the area also opposed the Gunny MOA and sued the Marines because the special-use airspace would have been located over four wildlife refuge areas. The Marines plan to move forward with its proposed Core MOA, which would lie near the Outer Banks.

November 3, 2006