Definition
Airspace utilization under prescribed conditions, normally employed for the mass movement of aircraft or other special user requirements that cannot otherwise be accommodated. ALTRVs are approved by the appropriate FAA facility and may be either stationary (fixed location) or moving (following a planned route).
Plain English
A block of airspace set aside for a special purpose, like a large group of aircraft moving together or a one-off mission that needs its own protected space. While the reservation is active, that airspace is managed differently from normal traffic.
Context Anchor
Seen in air traffic control coordination, flight planning, and notices involving military flights, large aircraft formations, or other special aviation operations.
Derivation
Short for 'altitude reservation.' 'Reservation' here carries its everyday sense — airspace held aside in advance for a specific user, similar to reserving a table or a room.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must identify active ALTRVs to avoid entering without clearance, which could interfere with military operations or create a safety conflict.
Intuition Check
Do not read reservation as a casual request or preference. In this context, an ALTRV is an approved airspace arrangement with conditions that pilots and controllers must respect.
Example Sentence 1
ATC advised the flight to expect a reroute due to an active ALTRV along the planned track.
Example Sentence 2
We checked the NOTAMs again to confirm the ALTRV had ended before entering the area.