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.
The Air Force uses the Paradise complex for F-15 training. AOPA is evaluating the aeronautical impact of the proposal on general aviation and will submit formal comments to the FAA.
The proposal calls for expanded SUA to the south and northwest, with lower floors in some areas. The Paradise East Military Operations Area (MOA) would be split into the Owyhee South and Jarbidge South MOAs, with floor reduction from the current 14,500 feet mean sea level to 3,000 feet above ground level. The Paradise West MOA would be split into the Paradise South and Paradise North MOAs. The Paradise South MOA would have a floor of 3,000 feet agl or 10,000 feet msl (whichever is higher). Currently the floor is 14,500 feet msl.
“The Air Force’s proposal to further subdivide this SUA complex is a step in the right direction, and one AOPA continues to advocate for,” said Tom Kramer, AOPA manager of air traffic services. “Smaller sectors allow the military to activate only those areas needed for a specific mission, freeing up more airspace for use by civil aviation.”
“Real-time special-use airspace information would be more helpful for pilots by allowing them to know precisely what sectors are active. AOPA continues to work with industry partners toward this goal,” he added.
AOPA wants to hear from members on how the proposal would affect their flying. Send comments by e-mail.
Comments to the FAA can be submitted until Feb. 4, 2011. Mail them to Robbie McGurn, Federal Aviation Administration, Northwest Mountain Region, Attn: Operations Support Group, AJV-W21, 1601 Lind Ave S.W., Renton, WA 98057. Be sure to refer to the Aeronautical Study number 10-ANM-16NR. Comments may also be submitted electronically. Please send a copy of your comments to AOPA.
