Space Launch Reentry Areas

AIM ¶ 7-6-17 — Space Launch Reentry Areas

AIM 7-6-17 explains space launch and reentry areas, sectional chart symbols, and NOTAM checks pilots must make before flight near hazard zones.

In Plain English

Space launch and reentry areas are locations where commercial rockets and spacecraft launch or return to Earth. Because these operations involve serious hazards, the FAA marks them on sectional aeronautical charts with a distinctive rocket-shaped symbol so pilots can spot them during preflight planning.

These areas can involve several types of activity:

Vertical launches from launch pads
Horizontal launches from runways (like spaceplanes)
Reentering vehicles returning to land

The chart symbol alone doesn't tell you when operations are happening or how big the hazard area is. For that, you must check NOTAMs before flying near one. NOTAMs identify the lateral boundaries, active times, and type of operation, often using language like “rocket launch activity,” “space launch,” or “space reentry.”

Note that these areas only apply to commercial space operations — they are not established for amateur rocket operations conducted under 14 CFR Part 101. Operationally, treat any active space launch/reentry NOTAM as a hard no-go zone and plan a route well clear.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 7-6-17

7-6-17. 7-6-17. Space Launch and Reentry Area Locations where commercial space launch and/or reentry operations occur. Hazardous operations occur in space launch and reentry areas, and for pilot awareness, a rocket-shaped symbol is used to depict them on sectional aeronautical charts. These locations may have vertical launches from launch pads, horizontal launches from runways, and/or reentering vehicles coming back to land. Because of the wide range of hazards associated with space launch and reentry areas, pilots are expected to check NOTAMs for the specific area prior to flight to determine the location and lateral boundaries of the associated hazard area, and the active time. NOTAMs may include terms such as “rocket launch activity,” “space launch," or “space reentry,” depending upon the type of operation. Space launch and reentry areas are not established for amateur rocket operations conducted per 14 CFR part 101. FIG 7-6-3 Space Launch and Reentry Area Depicted on a Sectional Chart

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1How are space launch and reentry areas depicted on a sectional chart?

Per AIM 7-6-17, they are depicted using a rocket-shaped symbol to alert pilots to hazardous commercial space launch and/or reentry operations.

Q2What must a pilot do before flying near a charted space launch and reentry area?

Per AIM 7-6-17, pilots are expected to check NOTAMs for the specific area to determine the location, lateral boundaries, and active time of the hazard area. NOTAMs may include terms like 'rocket launch activity,' 'space launch,' or 'space reentry.'

Q3Do space launch and reentry areas apply to amateur rocket operations?

No. Per AIM 7-6-17, space launch and reentry areas are not established for amateur rocket operations conducted under 14 CFR Part 101 — they are for commercial space launch and reentry activity.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 7

¶ 7-6-1

GA Accident Causal Factors

¶ 7-6-10

Volcanic Ash Operations

¶ 7-6-11

Emergency Airborne Inspection

¶ 7-6-12

Precipitation Static

¶ 7-6-13

Laser Illumination Reporting

¶ 7-6-14