What does a FENCE check ensure in terms of operational boundaries?

A FENCE check is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety while operating within a Military Operations Area (MOA). The primary focus of a FENCE check is to verify that both the lateral (horizontal) and vertical boundaries of the MOA are recognized and adhered to by the aircraft. This comprehensive awareness is essential for preventing unintentional violations of airspace restrictions and ensuring that all flight operations are conducted within designated parameters.

By confirming both lateral and vertical boundaries, the FENCE check helps pilots manage their altitude and position relative to other airspace users and obstacles. This practice is especially important in busy airspaces, where coordination with other aircraft and ground operations must be precise.

Recognizing only vertical boundaries or approaching the airfield would not provide the complete situational awareness needed for safe operations in complex environments, and limiting checks to specific altitude protocols would not encompass the necessary comprehensive assessment of the operational area. Thus, understanding the full scope of a FENCE check emphasizes the importance of being aware of all operational boundaries to ensure safety and compliance.