Definition
A military airfield or installation operated by the United States Air Force Reserve. AFRES facilities support reserve component flying units and may share runways with civilian airports or other military commands. On aeronautical charts and in the Chart Supplement, the AFRES designation identifies the operating authority of the field.
Plain English
An airfield run by the Air Force Reserve. The label tells you who operates the field, which affects how civilian pilots may use it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation abbreviations, airport information, and notices that refer to military facilities or activity near an airport.
Why Pilots Care
Military-operated fields, including AFRES bases, often have restrictions on civilian use. Prior permission may be required to land, and operating hours, services, and procedures can differ from civilian airports. Recognizing the AFRES label tells the pilot to check the Chart Supplement carefully before planning to use the field.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Reserve” as spare fuel, backup equipment, or an unused area. Here it means the Air Force Reserve, a part of the U.S. Air Force.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot noted the AFRES designation in the Chart Supplement and called ahead for prior permission before planning a fuel stop there.
Example Sentence 2
The pilot checked NOTAMs for any runway restrictions at the nearby AFRES before departure.