An interesting depiction on the Jacksonville Sectional is the dark-blue pie-shaped area hugging the coastline east of Orlando, Florida. If by chance you overlooked the large magenta rocket-shaped symbol, this is a space operations area regulated by FAR 91.143—flight limitation in the proximity of space flight operations. The rule warns that no one may operate any U.S. registered aircraft within areas designated by notam for space flight operations, except when authorized by ATC. You’ll see why when you take a closer look at the chart, which has a cautionary note about flying rockets and falling debris during the times that the area is active. It further clarifies the active status is intermittent and altitudes stretch from the surface into unlimited space. If you plan on touring the Florida coast by air to ogle the NASA Shuttle Landing Facility (TTS) and Cape Canaveral AFS Skid Strip (XMR), pay close attention to their restricted airspace status. TTS and XMR are strictly private-use airports, so don’t plan on just dropping in for the fun of it. Both require prior permission and are for official business only.
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