We are all aware of the expanded Controlled Firing Area at the 29 Palms base, but what the USMC is proposing is significantly larger than what we have heard previously. This has been quietly in the works for a few years now.
Check out the two proposals and related graphics that illustrate the magnitude of what they are proposing at this site. It includes new restricted areas, new MOA’s and expansion and modification of existing MOA’s. Here are screenshots of the two alternatives being proposed.
Here is a link to the USMC site with detailed information about the airspace proposal: 29PalmsPSUA
The USMC is seeking public comments on a draft environmental assessment of the proposed expansion. The deadline to submit comments is September 15th. The FAA will be asked to review the proposal for approval some time in November this year.
Please consider including the following in your comments. You may have other impacts you wish to share:
- The impacts of the proposed expansion on your personal flying activities.
- The additional restricted area has the potential to delay medivac access, utility aerial patrols, and aerial law enforcement patrols.
- Lowering the altitudes of MOA’s can increase collision risk between military and GA aircraft.
Here is the link to submit comments: Environmental Impact Statement – Comment Submission Please remember the deadline to comment is September 15th.
