Definition
An altitude reservation that defines a fixed block of airspace, set aside for a specific operation during a specified time, within which non-participating aircraft are not permitted. Common uses include aerial refueling, special tests, certain military exercises, and similar activities that require exclusive use of a defined volume of airspace.
Plain English
A box of airspace, in a fixed location, that ATC sets aside for a specific operation for a set period of time. Other aircraft are kept out of it while it is active.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see this term in notices, flight planning information, or air traffic control coordination for military, government, test, or other special flight activities.
Derivation
"Stationary" means fixed in place — the reserved airspace does not move. This contrasts with a Moving ALTRV, where the reserved block travels along a route with the aircraft. Knowing the word "stationary" is doing real work here helps lock in the meaning: the airspace stays put.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots must avoid or obtain clearance through these areas to prevent conflicts with active special operations.
Analogy
Think of reserving a room in a building. The room does not move; it is set aside for a particular use during a set time. A stationary ALTRV is similar, but the reserved space is a block of airspace.
Intuition Check
Do not read “stationary” as meaning the aircraft are stopped in the air. It means the reserved airspace stays in a fixed location.
Example Sentence 1
ATC issued a reroute because a stationary ALTRV was active over the refueling area for the next two hours.
Example Sentence 2
ATC confirmed the stationary Altrv was no longer in effect after 2200Z.