A high-speed flyover by a pair of
The VIP flyover was followed by a low altitude high speed pass by Marine F-18s from MCAS Beaufort. As the fighters departed the Range, the dark silhouette of a B-2 stealth bomber conducted a low altitude pass highlighting the inaugural ceremony at
The ceremony formally establishing the Coastal MOA was attended by representatives of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, FAA, Federal, State and local officials and members of
“The new airspace will be an aid to the military and to civilian aviation as well,” says Col Floyd Harbin, Commander of the
The specification for the new operating area reduces the boundaries of the restricted area while increasing the overall Operational Training airspace available. Additionally, airspace modifications have been designed to aid civilian pilots to safely transit the area using new safety and navigational aids provided by the Guard.
“We will activate the Coastal MOA airspace only as required to conduct military training,” explains Range Commander, Lt Col Jim O’Brien. The new regulations governing the Coastal MOA airspace will result in a reduction of airspace being restricted for large periods of time for military operations.
Sophisticated communications aids have been installed that will give civilian pilots updated information from the military on current activities in the airspace.
“When the airspace is not in use,” continued O’Brien, “a recording will broadcast the date and times the airspace will next be in use by the military.”