How far does a Warning Area extend from the U.S. coastline?

A Warning Area is a designated airspace over water that serves to warn pilots of potential hazards, such as military operations or exercises, and is established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the appropriate military authority. The extent of a Warning Area from the U.S. coastline is generally set to provide a buffer that allows for safe separation from civilian air traffic while accommodating military activities.

The correct distance for a Warning Area is 3 nautical miles from the coastline. This distance is significant as it provides adequate space for activities that could potentially affect civilian aircraft, while still allowing military operations to proceed without interference. Being further offshore also ensures that any hazardous activities are less likely to interfere with commercial or private aviation traffic operating close to shore.

This aspect of warning areas is a critical part of aviation safety regulations, ensuring that pilots are adequately informed of potential dangers while also maintaining access to airspace for various types of operations.