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Guidance · AIMAIM effective July 9, 2026

AIM 7-6-17 Space Launch and Reentry Area

Chapter 7. Safety of Flight · Section 6. Potential Flight Hazards

A reference copy of the official AIM text for study. It is not legal advice or an FAA interpretation; always confirm against the current official source.

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 7-6-17 Space Launch and Reentry Area Depicted on a Sectional Chart

[Figure: Space Launch and Reentry Area Depicted on a Sectional Chart]

Ask FAR/AIM AISearch the 2026 FAR/AIM with AI. Answers quote and cite the current official text.