Non-Charted Airspace Areas

AIM ¶ 3-5-10 — Non-Charted Airspace Areas

AIM 3-5-10 explains ALTRVs and ATC Assigned Airspace (ATCAA): non-charted airspace for special activity. Study guide for pilot students with oral exam Q&A.

In Plain English

AIM 3-5-10 describes two types of non-charted airspace that pilots may encounter but won't see depicted on standard sectional charts:

Stationary or Moving Altitude Reservation (ALTRV): Announced through an airspace NOTAM issued by the Central Altitude Reservation Facility (CARF) or an ARTCC. ALTRVs keep non-participating IFR aircraft separated from special activities (such as large formation flights or air refueling). VFR aircraft are permitted to transit the area, but should remain extra vigilant.
ATC Assigned Airspace (ATCAA): Airspace with defined vertical and lateral limits assigned by ATC to segregate special activities from other IFR traffic. ATCAA locations and scheduled activation times are published on the FAA Special Use Airspace (SUA) website — a NOTAM is not issued when an ATCAA activates.

Operationally, this means a thorough preflight briefing should include checking NOTAMs for ALTRVs and the FAA SUA website for ATCAA schedules, especially when planning routes near military operating areas or training corridors. Note that this is informational guidance, not regulatory.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 3-5-10

Stationary or Moving Altitude Reservation (ALTRV). A Stationary or Moving ALTRV is announced via an airspace NOTAM issued by the Central Altitude Reservation Facility (CARF) or ARTCC. These announcements will appear in CARF and/or ARTCC NOTAMS. This airspace ensures non-participating IFR aircraft remain separated from special activity. Non-participating VFR aircraft are permitted to fly through the area but should exercise vigilance. ATC ASSIGNED AIRSPACE. Airspace of defined vertical/lateral limits, assigned by ATC, for the purpose of providing air traffic segregation between the specified activities being conducted within the assigned airspace and other IFR air traffic. ATCAA locations and scheduled activation information can be found on the FAA SUA website; a NOTAM will not be issued to announce the activation of this airspace. Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is an Altitude Reservation (ALTRV) and how are pilots notified of one?

Per AIM 3-5-10, an ALTRV is stationary or moving airspace used to ensure non-participating IFR aircraft remain separated from special activity. It is announced via an airspace NOTAM issued by the Central Altitude Reservation Facility (CARF) or the ARTCC.

Q2Can a VFR pilot legally fly through an active ALTRV?

Yes. Per AIM 3-5-10, non-participating VFR aircraft are permitted to fly through an ALTRV, but they should exercise vigilance because special activity is occurring within.

Q3What is ATC Assigned Airspace (ATCAA), and where do you find activation information?

Per AIM 3-5-10, ATCAA is airspace of defined vertical and lateral limits assigned by ATC to segregate specified activities from other IFR traffic. Locations and scheduled activation are published on the FAA SUA website — no NOTAM is issued for ATCAA activation.

Related Paragraphs in Chapter 3

¶ 3-5-1

Airport Advisory Services

¶ 3-5-2

Military Training Routes

¶ 3-5-3

Temporary Flight Restrictions

¶ 3-5-4

Parachute Jump Operations

¶ 3-5-5

Published VFR Routes

¶ 3-5-6