Why should nonparticipating aircraft avoid penetrating active warning areas?

Nonparticipating aircraft should avoid penetrating active warning areas primarily due to the presence of unusual and often invisible hazards, like aerial gunnery. These areas are designated for military activities which may involve live fire exercises, where aircraft may not be visibly marked or easily detectable. Such activities can lead to severe risks, as nonparticipating aircraft might inadvertently enter a zone where these operations are taking place, putting them in jeopardy of being damaged or destroyed by live munitions.

The focus on these invisible hazards emphasizes the crucial need for nonparticipating aircraft to maintain a safe distance from areas where military operations are being conducted, as these risks are not always visible to the naked eye and can lead to catastrophic incidents. Awareness of these dangers is vital for ensuring both pilot safety and operational integrity in military airspace.