Can protected airspace overlap?

Protected airspace refers to specific areas of airspace designated for particular purposes, such as air traffic control, military operations, or other regulated activities. The concept of protected airspace is fundamental to maintaining organized operations and safety within the aviation system.

The assertion that protected airspace cannot overlap is grounded in regulatory frameworks. Airspace is designated to ensure that different user groups—such as commercial, private, and military aircraft—can operate without interference. Overlapping protected airspace could lead to conflicts in air traffic management, posing significant safety risks. Each type of protected airspace is established with defined parameters to separate air traffic effectively, thus preventing overlapping to maintain operational integrity.

While there are situations where airspace might be shared, such as in the case of some special use airspaces where coordination can occur, the foundational rule is that protected airspace is designed to avoid overlap in order to maintain the highest levels of safety in air operations. Therefore, the correct response highlights the importance of clear, unambiguous boundaries in protected airspace to ensure optimal safety and efficiency in aviation operations.