Airspace buffer 2

24.02.2010

Submission:

In the U.S. the standards are much like you describe with a few exceptions.

1. All radar vectoring must be accomplished in controlled airspace. There are basically two calculations that are done to determine the MVA sector altitude; one based on obstacles and the other based on airspace. For obstacles you apply the standard 1000/2000 ft for non-mountainous/mountainous terrain or some variant in between. For the airspace calculation (depending on the type of airspace) you should provide at least 300 ft of buffer above the floor of controlled airspace. There may be other factors that cause you to raise a sector altitude but when all is said and done you will select the highest determined altitude to be your sector altitude.

2. Our procedures should be designed to be within controlled airspace to the maximum extent possible.

3. From our air traffic handbook (7110.65) controllers provide at least 500 feet (above FL 290-1000 feet) above/below the upper/lower limit of the Prohibited/Restricted/Warning Area/MOA/ATCAA. For lateral separation the general rule, although I have been unable to find any specific reference, is that the primary area should not overlap any Special Use Airspace.

Bill Frenz, MITRE, USA