Airspace
To help controllers and pilots deal with varying traffic conditions in the sky,
United States airspace has been divided into six different classes (A, B, C, D, E,
and G), as illustrated in the graphic below. These different classes have
different requirements for entry into the airspace, pilot qualifications, radio
and transponder equipment, and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) weather minimums.
Airspace Classification in the United States Airspace System
Within the JLUS Study Area, Maxwell AFB and the MGM are surrounded by
Class D airspace. This airspace classification requires an operational control
tower, and that two‐way communication is established prior to entry. Aircraft
separation is maintained through a combination of the Montgomery Terminal
Radar Approach Control, which is an FAA facility, and a control tower, located
at Maxwell AFB.
Maxwell AFB are integrated in order to minimize airspace conflicts at MGM.
Figure 3‐16 shows the Class D airspace as described above.
Source: Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Report, Maxwell Air Force Base,
November 2009
Military Training Routes
There are four military training routes (MTRs) for Maxwell AFB in the JLUS
Study Area. MTRs are characterized by a centerline and a MTR corridor which
can be anywhere from two NM to 10 NM wide, which equates to one to five
NM on either side of the MTR centerline. The MTRs provide pilots that train
within them the optimal space to perform the necessary mission operations in
designated airspace with a separation between military and civilian activities.
This is important to consider as adjacent land uses may be impacted. The
degree of impact is dependent on many variables including weather, type of
aircraft, and certain types of development. Table 3‐2 provides information
about the hours of operation, altitudes, and widths of Maxwell AFB’s MTRs;
Figure 3‐17 illustrates the MTRs in the JLUS Study Area.
Four slow speed low altitude training routes (SR) are utilized near
Maxwell AFB. SRs are low‐level routes that are utilized at elevations at or
below 1,500 feet AGL, at airspeeds of 250 knots or less. Mechanisms for
communication with the military and civilian pilots regarding SR activity do not
exist.
Maxwell AFB’s Class D airspace extends out five NM from the airfield and
upward to 2,200 feet mean sea level (MSL). The proximity of MGM to
Maxwell AFB is such that the southern portion of Maxwell AFB’s Class D
airspace and MGM’s northern Class D air space overlap. Due to this overlap in
airspace, the FAA designated a portion of the overlap to each airfield. Air
operations are coordinated with the FAA and flight paths into and out of
Page 3‐30
Background Report
June 2017