FM 1–300

G–1

Appendix G

Restricted Area Usage for NATO Military Aircraft

This appendix implements portions of Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 2952. Thus, it

standardizes the procedures for granting the use of restricted areas by NATO military aircraft. Use

of these area may be given as result of an in–flight emergency or through bilateral agreements.

Restricted areas may be used when a request is sent through diplomatic or NATO channels by the

visiting nation or NATO command.

G–1. AGREEMENT

NATO nations have agreed that their military airfields may be used by the military aircraft of

participating nations or other NATO nations. When a request for use of a restricted area is received,

appropriate physical security measures are taken to preserve the security of the aircraft, classified

components, and classified material on board. Participating nations also have agreed that, in certain

cases, visiting aircraft commanders—in close cooperation with the national authorities—may restrict

access to the aircraft cockpit or the aircraft to crewmembers only. This does not exclude necessary

action to be taken by national authorities in the case of acute danger.

GBB2. DEFINITIONS

The following terms and definitions are used for the purpose of this agreement:

a. Aircraft—air vehicles including fixed–wing, rotary–wing, and dirigible–type airships and

balloons.

b. Aircraft Commander—the aircrewmember designated by competent authority as being in

command of an aircraft and responsible for its safe operation and achieving the assigned mission.

c. Authorized Personnel—those personnel approved by the aircraft commander in close

cooperation with national authorities who have a need to approach and/or have access to the aircraft.

d. Physical Security—those measures deemed necessary by the host nation to preserve the

security of the restricted area and, thereby, the aircraft, its classified components, and classified

material on board.

e. Restricted Area—an area under military jurisdiction in which special security measures are

employed to prevent unauthorized entry.

G–3. RESTRICTED AREA CRITERIA

The perimeter of the restricted area will be clearly marked and protected. All entry and exit points

will be controlled according to the security procedures of the host nation. Only those persons

designated as authorized personnel will be permitted to enter and leave the restricted area.

FM 1–300

G–2

GBB4. PROCEDURES

Under normal circumstances, the physical security measures provided by NATO nations at their own

airfields for their own aircraft are sufficient protection for visiting aircraft. Therefore, requests for

restricted areas should not be the norm.

a. Notification.

(1) The host nation must be contacted through diplomatic or NATO channels a minimum of

48 hours in advance with the request for a restricted area for a visiting aircraft. After approval is

received from the host nation, the abbreviation RAR (restricted area required) will be inserted in

field number 18 of the NATO flight plan or block 18 of the International Civil Aviation Organization

(ICAO) flight plan.

(2) In case of an in–flight emergency, the aerodrome of landing will be informed by radio (if

possible) of the requirement for a restricted area as soon as possible.

(3) Bilateral agreements may exist between NATO nations that negate the need to notify

them through diplomatic or NATO channels. In these cases, the abbreviation RAR will be inserted

in field 18 or block 18 of the flight plan and the aerodrome of landing informed by radio as soon as

possible.

b. Access Control.

(1) The host nation will provide the restricted area and the personnel necessary to protect it.

The host nation also will ensure that only authorized personnel enter and leave the area.

(2) If required by the aircraft commander, the host nation will provide (when possible)

secure storage for any classified equipment and material that the aircraft commander wants

removed from the restricted area.

(3) If the aircraft is carrying sensitive material and access to the restricted area is restricted

to the aircrew only, the aircraft commander may provide an aircrewmember to remain in or near the

aircraft.

(4) If an escort is necessary for personnel without the appropriate security clearance, the

aircraft commander may provide an aircrewmember or—in consultation with the host nation—may

approve personnel with the appropriate security clearance from the host nation to conduct escort

duties.

G–5. IMPLEMENTATION

The procedures in the paragraphs above pertain to those airfields at which restrictions to aircraft

apply. The procedures will be implemented when the appropriate orders or instructions for their

adoption have been issued to the forces concerned.