ZSE controller described momentary airspace deviation when failing to note the active times of restr...

Narrative:

During assumption of the radar position I failed to notice that the boardman 'complex' was going in use from 10;000 up to 20;000 (FL200). The aircraft in question was in level flight at FL200 transiting the airspace. When the airspace went hot to the higher of the two altitudes; the aircraft had not yet cleared the airspace. Aircraft cleared the airspace without incident. This airspace has been designated as a 'complex' by our facility. I have tried in the past to get clarification as to what our separation standards are for a military 'complex' as no such reference to this type of airspace can be found in the 7110.65 or the aim. Recommendation; I feel the facility should drop the internal classification of this airspace as a 'complex' as no separation standards can be defined in any rule book that we currently have and no guidance has been given as to how to separate aircraft from it. Furthermore; pilots have no way to know or even find out what a 'complex' is as it does not exist. Classification of this military airspace should revert back to one of the known forms. Many find it confusing as to how to separate VFR and IFR aircraft from this airspace due to it being termed a 'complex' with no guidance as to what it is. What is printed on air navigation charts shows it as a restricted area with MOA extensions which have approved separation standards.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: ZSE Controller described momentary airspace deviation when failing to note the active times of restricted airspace; claiming the facility should change the identity of the subject airspace to clarify required separation and procedures.

Narrative: During assumption of the radar position I failed to notice that the Boardman 'Complex' was going in use from 10;000 up to 20;000 (FL200). The aircraft in question was in level flight at FL200 transiting the airspace. When the airspace went hot to the higher of the two altitudes; the aircraft had not yet cleared the airspace. Aircraft cleared the airspace without incident. This airspace has been designated as a 'complex' by our facility. I have tried in the past to get clarification as to what our separation standards are for a military 'complex' as no such reference to this type of airspace can be found in the 7110.65 or the AIM. Recommendation; I feel the facility should drop the internal classification of this airspace as a 'complex' as no separation standards can be defined in any rule book that we currently have and no guidance has been given as to how to separate aircraft from it. Furthermore; pilots have no way to know or even find out what a 'complex' is as it does not exist. Classification of this military airspace should revert back to one of the known forms. Many find it confusing as to how to separate VFR and IFR aircraft from this airspace due to it being termed a 'complex' with no guidance as to what it is. What is printed on air navigation charts shows it as a restricted area with MOA extensions which have approved separation standards.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.

Attributes
ACN	859355
Time
Date	200911
Local Time Of Day	1801-2400
Place
Locale Reference	ZSE.ARTCC
State Reference	WA
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Golden Eagle 421
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	Enroute
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Person 2
Function	Handoff / Assist
Qualification	Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Events
Anomaly	Airspace Violation All Types

ZSE controller described momentary airspace deviation when failing to note the active times of restricted airspace; claiming the facility should change the identity of the subject airspace to clarify required separation and procedures.