FAA Eyes Restricted Zones for NC Marine Laser, Weapons Drills
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to create new restricted airspace zones near Camp Lejeune and Cherry Point, NC, to safely contain military training activities like weapons use and laser tests. This change helps connect existing restricted areas for better safety and realistic training. If you have thoughts, send them by May 5, 2025—no costs or delays expected for the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
VOR Airway V-139 Unavailable During Activations
When restricted areas R-5305A, R-5305B, or R-5305C are active, VOR Federal Airway V-139 will be unavailable between the Wilmington, NC (ILM) VORTAC and the New Bern, NC (EWN) VOR/DME. IFR pilots may instead use nearby VOR Federal Airways V-1 and V-56, navigate point-to-point with RNAV fixes, or request ATC radar vectors.
Local Airport Access and Arrival/Departure Effects
Operations to and from Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN), Michael J. Smith Field (MRH), and Sky Manor Airport (N22) may be affected because portions of their arrival and departure procedures would lie inside the new restricted areas. R-5307A would make airspace at and above 2,500 feet mean sea level unavailable when active; R-5307A is expected to be activated 2 hours per day, 25 days per year, and R-5307B 4 hours per day, 25 days per year. MCAS Cherry Point CERAP has committed to deconflicting IFR/VFR traffic, providing flight following, and advertising status on frequencies (Contact Cherry Point Approach on 119.75 or 360.775).
Containment of Hazardous Military Training Activities
The rule establishes R-5305A/B/C and R-5307A/B/C to create contiguous restricted airspace that will contain hazardous activities such as weapon deployment, non-eye safe lasers, and 105 mm and 155 mm artillery to support realistic USMC training, including operations of fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems.
Explicit Activation Schedules for New Restricted Areas
The proposal sets expected activation patterns: R-5305A—0600-2359 Monday-Friday (other times by NOTAM), expected 8 hours/day, 150 days/year (≈25% at night; ≈5% include fixed-wing). R-5305B—intermittent by NOTAM, expected 4 hours/day, 30 days/year (≈25% night; ≈50% fixed-wing). R-5305C—intermittent by NOTAM, expected 4 hours/day, 30 days/year (≈25% night; ≈50% fixed-wing). R-5307A—intermittent by NOTAM, expected 2 hours/day, 25 days/year (≈25% night). R-5307B—intermittent by NOTAM, expected 4 hours/day, 25 days/year (≈25% night). R-5307C—0800-2359 Monday-Friday (other times by NOTAM), expected 4 hours/day, 100 days/year (≈25% night).
Joint-Use Return and Real-Time Access Commitments
The proposed restricted areas would be joint-use and returned to the controlling agency (MCAS Cherry Point CERAP) in real time when not needed. All users of the restricted areas must maintain radio communications with range control to allow real-time activation/deactivation and prompt recall. The controlling agency would provide real-time status information, transitions for nonparticipating aircraft, and traffic advisories.
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