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Lesson 5.4 – Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas
In addition to the standard classes of airspace (A through G), there are several types of special use and other airspace areas that pilots must recognize and understand.
Reference:
Reference:
FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 15 – Airspace
FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK), Chapter 15 – Airspace
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Chapter 3
Prohibited Areas
Prohibited Areas
Airspace where flight is prohibited for security or national welfare reasons.
Examples include areas around the White House and certain military installations.
Identified on charts by the letter “P” followed by a number (e.g., P-56).
You may not fly through a Prohibited Area.
Restricted Areas
Restricted Areas
Airspace where flight is not completely prohibited but is subject to restrictions.
Often contains unusual or hazardous activities such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles.
Identified by the letter “R” followed by a number (e.g., R-4001).
You must obtain permission from the controlling agency before entering an active Restricted Area.
Military Operations Areas (MOAs)
Military Operations Areas (MOAs)
Established to separate military training activities from IFR traffic.
VFR pilots may enter an MOA but should exercise extreme caution.
It is strongly recommended to contact the controlling agency for information on military activity before entering.
Charted with the name of the MOA and altitude information.
Warning Areas
Warning Areas
Similar to Restricted Areas but located over domestic or international waters.
Extends from 3 nautical miles outward from the coast of the United States.
Contains activity that may be hazardous to non-participating aircraft.
Identified by the letter “W” followed by a number.
Alert Areas
Alert Areas
Depicted on charts to inform pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity.
Pilots should be especially alert when flying in these areas.
Identified by the letter “A” followed by a number.
Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs)
Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs)
Contain activities that could be hazardous to aircraft.
Not charted because the activities are suspended immediately when an aircraft approaches.
No special pilot action is required.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Temporary restrictions issued by the FAA (often for VIP movement, disaster relief, sporting events, or national security).
Published by NOTAM.
You must check NOTAMs before every flight to avoid flying into an active TFR.
Other Airspace Areas
Other Airspace Areas
Local Airport Advisory (LAA) – Advisory service provided at some non-towered airports.
Military Training Routes (MTRs) – Routes used by military aircraft for low-altitude, high-speed training (IR for IFR, VR for VFR).
Published VFR Routes – Including VFR corridors, transition routes, and terminal area VFR routes through busy airspace.
National Security Areas (NSAs) – Areas where pilots are requested to avoid flight for national security reasons.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
Prohibited Areas = no flight allowed.
Restricted Areas = permission required when active.
MOAs = legal to enter for VFR but use caution and obtain information when possible.
Always check NOTAMs for Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).
Know how each type of special use airspace is depicted on sectional charts.
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