Acrobatic Practice Area (APA) Explained

Local information and education this month explains the newly established Acrobatic Practice Area at CLM. You may have seen this box being used during the last couple of months (pictured above) so here is the “What, When, Why and How” of the APA:

WHAT is an Aerobatic Practice Area (APA) - per the FAA:

“AEROBATIC PRACTICE AREAS. Aerobatic competition pilots, airshow pilots, and others who wish to practice aero-batic maneuvers not necessary for normal flight and below an altitude of 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) must use a wavered aerobatic practice area. These areas are not to be considered airshow sites. The aviation community uses these practice areas to establish and maintain proficiency as well as enhance competitive skills in all the recognized aerobatic maneuvers. They are established by the waiver applicant in conjunction with the local FSDO and may have dimensions of several miles in various directions or be as small as a contest box; i.e., a cubic box with a dimension of 3,300 feet on all sides. Inspectors should be receptive to the establishment of these areas, consistent with safety and the efficient use of the NAS. It is imperative that the safety of all nonparticipating aircraft be considered when issuing a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization for an aerobatic practice are.” (FAA - 8700.1 Ops Insp Handbk / Vol2 - Ch48) When:

Available for use anytime between 10 AM and 7 PM local time and never after sunset.

Where:

Aerobatics may be occurring from 500’ to 4000’ AGL and within the boundaries as depicted in the attached aerial image.

How:

For the airspace to be in use there must be a NOTAM issued and the airspace activated with ATC (Whidbey Approach).

Day to day operations:

Check NOTAMs! So you are aware of the proposed operating times of the APA. The NOTAM window may be for a few hours. When the APA is in use (activated) it is normally for no longer than 30 minutes at a time. De-conflict use of the airspace with the user of the APA over CTAF just as you would with any other traffic.