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AIM

4/20/23

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Potential Flight Hazards

FIG 7

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Plumes

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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

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Space Launch and Reentry Area Depicted on a Sectional Chart