JOTRC Handbook - Kadena Air Base

While the majority of these areas exist within Special Use Airspace (Warning Areas,
Restricted Areas, etc.), it is important to recognize that non-military surface and air
platforms cannot be restricted nor prohibited from operating in or transiting most areas.
Since offshore OPAREAs are located in international waters, normal “Freedom of Air/Sea”
principles apply to airborne and surface vessels.
Hazardous Operations affecting airspace shall be conducted within designated SUA or
ALTRV if the planned operation must occur outside aforementioned SUA.
All operations within these areas shall be conducted cautiously and military units shall
maintain vigilant visual/sensor sanitization to ensure safety. Military units shall apply ORM
principles throughout all evolutions conducted in these areas.
ESTABLISHMENT: In accordance with Joint Committee agreements JC-Incl 76 Memo
937, JC-Incl 77 Memo 938, JC-Incl 79 Memo 940, JC-Incl 86, Memo 948, and JC-Incl 89
Memo 951. These areas include the offshore areas contiguous Okinawa, Japan.
JOSC/JOTRC OPERATING AREAS. The areas addressed by this handbook are located
in the country of Japan and their contiguous offshore areas.
GUIDANCE. This handbook prescribes general operating instructions and flight and
procedures applicable to the operation of all aircraft, ships, and submarines operating
within designated operating areas.
This handbook is not intended to cover every contingency that may arise nor every rule of
safety and good practice. In the tactical environment, military exigency may require on-site
deviations from handbooks/procedures contained here. The existing risk of deviation must
continually be weighed against the benefit of deviating from this handbook. Deviation from
specific flight and operating instructions is authorized in emergency situations when, in the
judgment of the pilot in command or Commanding Officer, safety justifies such a deviation.
Standard definitions and word use has been adhered to for such phrases as “Warnings”,
“Cautions”, “Notes”, “Shall”, “Should”, “May”, “Will”, etc. It is often not feasible to
completely specify all situations or circumstances under which provisions of this handbook
shall apply; therefore, wording such as “normally,” “etc.,” “usually,” and “such as” is
employed. Words or clauses of that type shall not be used as loopholes nor shall they be
expanded to include a maneuver, situation, or circumstances that should not be performed
nor encountered.
CHANGE RECOMMENDATIONS. Recommended changes to this handbook may be
submitted by anyone. Submit recommended changes to the JOSC via contact information
listed above.
DISTRIBUTION. Automatic distribution of this handbook and revisions is primarily by
electronic means.