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2 Answers

Departing an airport completely surrounded by a MOA

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Airspace

I will be departing an airport (KLHW Class D) that is completely surrounded by a MOA.  Flight will be VFR.  What would be the proper procedure for this departure concerning the MOA?  I will be using flight following once I clear the Delta airspace, which happens pretty fast.  Should I contact the controlling agency from the ground or would the tower do that for me prior to departure while I am waiting for departure clearance?

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2 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Jun 21, 2016

    As you probably already know, the MOA overhead LHW doesn’t start until 3000 MSL. So you have a little bit of room there. (The other surrounding MOAs start at 500 AGL, though, so you’re right you are pretty much surrounded by MOAs.)

    As a reminder, you are not required to contact ANYBODY when flying through a MOA VFR. So you could just get cleared for takeoff and proceed on your way.

    However, it is of course wise to get radar services from ATC, and the chart says that Jax Center is the controlling agency, so they’d be the ones to contact. I would bet that LHW tower has a procedure or agreement with the airspace users and with Jax Center for just this situation – you’re hardly the first to do this. I’d recommend you give the tower a call and see what they say!

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  2. Dave Ballard on Jun 21, 2016

    Thanks, The Coastal MOA 5 was my concern at 500 ft AGL. Have had experience with MOAs via FF but never had to takeoff and immediately be surrounded by one. Realize I am not required to contact anyone but prudent to do so unless you want a fast mover to ruin your day. Was hoping the tower would give some assistance but thought I would ask the experts if there was something I was overlooking.

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