Some IAC members have had problems opening aerobatic practice areas through Lockheed Martin Flight Service. Lockheed claims to have no NOTAM on file for the box and either requests a copy of the waiver or for the waiver holder to “help” write the NOTAM. This request may happen each time an attempt is made to open a practice box in some areas of the U.S. After posing this problem to the FAA, the following was provided and should solve the problems with practice boxes.
Please note: this only addresses the issuing of a NOTAM for a practice box, all other issues concerning practice boxes (noise complaints, waiver application procedures, etc.) should be addressed to the appropriate IAC Government Relations Committee member.
FS21 Aerobatic Waiver Processing
With the consolidation of Flight Service Stations to Lockheed Martin, Aerobatic Waivers are now being processed nationally and further separated into three service areas for access by flight service specialists nationwide. The new Flight Service consists of 3 service area hubs and 15 continuing sites. The attached graphic depicts the three service areas and associated hub sites - the latter of which are now the focal point for waver receipt and processing.
After receipt of an FAA waiver, IAC members should send the waiver to the associated HUB, either electronically, mail or by fax. The HUB Plans and Procedures Specialists will insure the information is recorded for their service areas into a national folder and/or retain a paper copy of the waiver on file for specialist access when a NOTAM is requested.
Since Flight Service Specialists need access to the waiver before they can process a NOTAM, you may need to fax the waiver directly to the NOTAM specialist. Obtain a correct FAX number from the specialist, and if you decide to call back instead of waiting, insure you’re routed to the sector awaiting your fax. To avoid confusion, it is best to get your waiver on file at the earliest opportunity. Aerobatic NOTAMS, as with all NOTAMS, can be called in for processing 72 hours (3 days) prior to the event. Flight Service cannot suspend NOTAM issuance for a later date.
Please have the following details available when issuing the NOTAM corresponding to your waiver:
ü Date and time of activity
ü Size of the affected area in a nautical mile radius
ü Location of the center of the affected area in relation to:
§ The nearest VOR/DME or VORTAC when it is 25 NM or less for the center of the activity.
§ The nearest public use airport, when the center of the activity is more than 25 NM form the nearest VOR/DME or VORTAC.
ü Affected altitudes
ü Duration of the activity
ü Name, address, and telephone number
ü Identification of aircraft being used
ü Aircraft radio frequencies available
Some examples of aerobatic NOTAMS:
DSM AEROBATIC ACFT 4500/BLW 6 NMR DSM AVOIDANCE ADZD WEF 0801051200-0801052100
Or
SGF AEROBATIC AREA 3000-5000 3 NMR SGF AVOIDANCE ADZD WEF 0801051200-0801052100
HUB Plans and Procedures Specialists:
Eastern Service Area: Julia Greenway, 571-223-3173
Central Service Area: Martha Wood, 817-541-3461
Western Service Area: Mark King, 928-583-6151
For FAXING aerobatic waivers only:
ESA: 571-223-1593; CSA 817-490-6649; WSA 928-772-4390
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