What type of air support training specifically requires special airspace during operations?

The type of air support training that specifically requires special airspace during operations is Simulated Close Air Support (SIMCAS). This training involves the coordination and execution of close air support missions, where aircraft provide fire support to ground troops. To effectively conduct SIMCAS, a designated area of airspace is necessary to ensure safety, manage air traffic, and allow for realistic simulation of combat scenarios without endangering non-participating aircraft or civilians.

Using special airspace helps create a controlled environment that accommodates the complex nature of close air support exercises, which often involve low-altitude flight, precision targeting, and coordination with ground forces. This training emphasizes the interaction between air and ground units and requires careful management of both airspace and timing to simulate real combat conditions effectively.

In contrast, ground support training may not require the same level of airspace segregation since it does not primarily focus on the integration of air support in a simulated environment. Air-to-air combat training primarily targets engagements between aircraft rather than involving ground forces. Basic flight training is often conducted in larger, general airspace areas and focuses on fundamental flying skills rather than specific operational tactics that necessitate controlled airspace for safety and coordination.