Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report | Page 178
Collision Avoidance (MACA) Program. The MACA Program stresses extreme
caution to pilots flying in the alert area due to the wake turbulence
generated by heavy military aircraft, as well as high rate climbs and
descents, and random maneuvering by heavy aircraft over the top and
within the vicinity of the alert area. The program also offers mitigation
techniques, along with useful resources to help educate pilots and prevent
mid‐air collisions.
local military aircraft, transient (i.e., not based at Travis AFB) military aircraft
(heavy and fighter aircraft) also frequently operate at Travis AFB. General
aviation traffic also tends to be funneled through the area, due to the
proximity of international airports in San Francisco, Oakland, and
Sacramento.
The Travis AFB Mid‐Air Collision Avoidance Guide indicates significant air
space traffic in the vicinity of Travis AFB and the Nut Tree Airport. There
have been 11 near mid‐air collisions in the area surrounding Nut Tree
Airport and Travis AFB since 1987. However, the most recent recorded
event occurred in September 1999, indicating a recent awareness of
potential for collisions and procedures to prevent them.
In addition to the MACA program, Travis Radar Approach Control (RAPCON)
and ICON Aircraft flight operations maintain a letter of agreement. The
agreement establishes procedures for ICON student pilots to follow,
including call‐sign designations, initiating radio contact, and obtaining
approval before entering Travis AFB airspace. Because of blocked radio
communication between Nut Tree Airport departing aircraft and Travis AFB
RAPCON, as outlined in Issue COM‐1, these procedures offer alternative
methods of communication.
Local airspace surrounding the Nut Tree Airport consists of Class E Surface
Airspace. The Class E Surface Airspace includes a five‐statute‐mile radius
circular area around the airport and any extension necessary to include
instrument approach and departure paths. Radio communications and
transponders are not required to operate within Class E airspace under
VFR conditions. However, two‐way communication with Travis Approach
and Departure Control must be established before entering the Class D
airspace surrounding Travi