Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 3training routes are established below 3,048 m (1 0,000 ft) mean sea level for operations at speeds inexcess of 250 knots. However, route segments may be defined at higher altitudes for purposes of routecontinuity. Route width is normally 9 km (5 nm) on either side of the centerline. In addition to theinstrument and visual flight rules routes, there are slow-speed, low-altitude routes used for military airoperations at or below 457 m (1,500 ft) at airspeeds of 250 knots or less.3.8.3 Ocean Areas (Southern California Operating Area)3.8.3.1 Ocean TrafficA significant amount of ocean traffic (consisting of both large and small vessels) transits in the vicinity ofthe SOCAL OPAREA. Ocean traffic is the transit of commercial, private, or military vessels at sea. Thetypes of Navy vessels that operate in the offshore areas range from small workboats to major combatships such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, and submarines.Civilian vessels fall into two general categories: commercial and recreational. The Coast Guard hasindicated that there are no precise estimates for recreational or commercial fishing or boating activitythroughout SOCAL.The Navy vessels that operate in the offshore areas around San Clemente Island range from small workboats to major Navy combat ships such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, or submarines. The activity level ofships or boats is characterized as a ship or boat “event” (one trip into the range areas off the island). Non-Navy Ocean traffic consists of recreational and commercial fishing or boating events, and commercialshipping vessels.3.8.3.2 Air TrafficW-291 extends from the surface to Flight Level 800 (approximately 80,000 feet [24,384 m] above MSL).W-291 is located entirely over international waters (except the portion over the island itself). W-291 isactive on an intermittent basis and is activated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on requestby the Navy when operations that would pose a hazard to non-participating aircraft are being conducted.When W-291 is active, CAE 1156 may be closed to air traffic under the control of the FAA if a hazard tocivil air traffic is deemed to exist.Military aircraft routinely operate in W-291 near San Clemente Island. These aircraft take off fromairfields on the mainland, San Clemente Island, or from aircraft carriers operating offshore nearby.Military aircraft take off from mainland airfields with an IFR clearance from FAA Air Traffic Control.After entering W-291, flights proceed via VFR using a “see-and-avoid” rule to remain clear of other airtraffic.Civilian aircraft operating under IFR clearances, authorized by the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic ControlCenter (ARTCC), normally fly on formal airway route structures. In the vicinity of San Clemente Islandthese airways run from coastal California north of W-291 and through W-291. These airways are CAE1177 and 1156. When W-291 is active, CAE 1156 is normally closed. CAE 1177 is the most importantroute through the coastal warning areas and is closed only when weapons hazard patterns extend into thearea, and then only with full coordination with the FAA. When W-291 is active, aircraft on IFRclearances are precluded from entering W-291 by the FAA. However, since W-291 is located entirelyover international waters, non-participating aircraft on VFR flight plans are not prevented from enteringthe area. Examples of aircraft flights of this nature include light aircraft, fish spotters, researchers, andwhale watchers.February 2007 3-78