Travis AFB Sustainability Study Report Final Background Report

Limitations on the height of structures and notice of aircraft overflights are the only compatibility factors within this zone. Lack of airspace control ISSUE LAS‐2 The Class D airspace around Travis AFB does not have the usual restrictions other military installations operate under, leaving it open to general aviation and allowing congested airspace. Findings  Travis AFB is surrounded by Class D airspace, which general aviation aircraft can enter. Additional general aviation traffic can create congested airspace.  The mission at Travis AFB involves different approaches and other aircraft and congested airspace can create hazards or interfere with the maneuvers. Compatibility Assessment Oftentimes, military installations have designated special use airspace (SUA) such as Military Operating Areas (MOAs), where they can perform maneuvers and training without interference from other aircraft. However, Travis AFB is surrounded by Class D airspace and does not have any designated SUA protecting Base operations. All general and commercial aviation traffic is allowed into Class D airspace, but two‐way communication with the Travis AFB aircraft control tower must be established before entering. With the proximity of multiple international airports, the airspace is kept open and general aviation is funneled through the area. Usage of unmanned aerial systems ISSUE LAS‐3 Part of the Travis AFB mission involves military aircraft that approach the Base from a variety of different altitudes, airspeeds, and directions. Non‐military aircraft in the area can create a hazard to these operations and open airspace is ideal to perform the approaches. Travis AFB is located within Alert Area A‐682, which does offer enhanced awareness of the Base’s operations. Alert areas are designated airspace on FAA sectional charts that may contain a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity, but aircraft are not restricted from entering. Compatibility Assessment Use of unmanned aerial systems (UASs), commonly called drones, has increased dramatically as they have become cheaper, smaller, and easier to use. In the US, around 700,000 UASs were sold in 2015, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. The FAA has a ban on UASs flying over areas such as national parks, military Bases, and within a five‐mile radius of airports. However, the FAA has seen a large increase in the number of UASs flying too close to airports and aircraft. From August 2015 to January 2016, there were nearly 600 incidents in the US reported to the FAA, compared to 238 incidents in all of 2014. Drones have also been spotted at dangerous operating altitudes, up to 10,000 feet. These UASs pose a hazard to aircraft safety, creating potential mid‐air collision scenarios

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