Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25; Flight Crew Total 2800; Flight Crew Type 50
Communication Breakdown; Distraction; Workload; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Software and Automation; Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication
I was practicing my aerobatic routine in Aerobatic Practice Area (APA) waivered airspace just north of HGR and had a ground observer. The airspace NOTAM was active and the area is depicted on a sectional chart and is in software for current navigational systems. However; my concern is that I'm getting traffic coming through the airspace.I feel there are a few things that could be done to enhance the safety of my current operation. I'm writing you because I'm concerned the FAA will just close it down if I suggest there is a safety issue. The current waiver requires me to monitor Potomac Approach during my operation. That possibly may help; but sometimes there is so much chatter that it would be difficult to catch a call and their main purpose is to keep IFR traffic out of my waivered airspace. In the past I would monitor HGR Tower and they were more helpful because they would look for traffic and be able to warn VFR traffic that they were communicating with also. My aircraft does not have the ability to monitor 2 frequencies simultaneously; so I'm currently only monitoring Potomac Approach as required by the waiver.   As you know; TFR's are depicted boldly on digital navigational software devices. Could 'Hot' APA's also be depicted boldly like TFR's? That would be a more obvious warning to other aircraft than just a drawing on a chart. Obviously; all pilots should be familiar with published NOTAMS in their route of flight; but we know that doesn't always happen. Also allowing HGR Tower to call out possible traffic conflicts would be helpful but please don't let the FAA close the area again for months until they have time to amend the paperwork! I did contact a representative from Potomac Approach about my concern and am waiting for a reply. Even if he is able to allow me to monitor HGR Tower instead of Potomac Approach; it would still be helpful if Hot APA's could show up as obvious as TFR's on digital navigational aids. Your consideration in this matter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
An aerobatic pilot who has a FAA waiver for a designated Aerobatic Practice Area reported traffic routinely flies through the airspace when it is advertised in use.