Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What is advised for pilots operating in the alert area west of Corpus Christi International Airport?

1. Contact approach control

2. Obtain prior permission from controlling agency

3. Be extremely cautious due to training activities

4. Operate without restrictions

The correct answer is: Be extremely cautious due to training activities

For pilots operating in alert areas, particularly the one west of Corpus Christi International Airport, it is essential to exercise heightened vigilance due to the presence of training activities that may be occurring in that space. Alert areas are designated to warn pilots about a high degree of activity that can include military training operations or other types of intense flight training. Therefore, being extremely cautious means that pilots should maintain situational awareness, keep an eye on their surroundings and potential traffic, and be prepared to change their plans if necessary. This does not imply that operations are restricted, but rather highlights the importance of being cautious while navigating through areas where unusual activity may be taking place. Although communicating with approach control or obtaining permission could be prudent in various situations, the primary advisory for operations in an alert area is focused on heightened awareness rather than mandatory permission or complete freedom to operate without concern.