How are all MTRs designated?

MTRs, or Military Training Routes, are designated by a standardized system that utilizes a prefix to indicate the type of route, followed by a route number. The prefixes IR and VR denote Instrument Route and Visual Route respectively. This systematic approach helps in identifying the nature of the route quickly, as MTRs are primarily utilized for military training purposes and can involve high-speed, low-altitude flight maneuvers that require specific tracking and coordination with air traffic control.

Designating MTRs with this prefix and numbering method ensures clarity and consistency across the airspace system, allowing both military and civilian flight operations to understand the type of activity occurring on that specific route. This uniformity is crucial for safety and efficiency in airspace management.

While altitude requirements, types of training conducted, and geographic areas covered can be relevant to understanding the context in which MTRs operate, they are not the primary means by which these routes are formally designated.