Special Use Airspace Types and Rules

Overview

This lesson explains Special Use Airspace, the types, how to identify them on charts, and important rules for each category.

Special Use Airspace (SUA) contains hazardous activities and has specific entry rules and identification on charts.
There are six types: Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, Warning Areas, Military Operations Areas (MOAs), Alert Areas, and Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs).

Prohibited Areas are strictly off-limits due to security or national welfare and labeled with "P" followed by a number.
These areas are always active; no entry is allowed and no controlling agency is available for access.

Restricted Areas contain hazardous activities (artillery, missile tests) and entry requires permission or the area must be inactive.
Activity times and controlling agencies are listed on the back of VFR sectional charts; check NOTAMs for current status.
You may fly through if the area is not active or you have clearance from the controlling agency.

Warning Areas are offshore zones with hazardous activities where the US government lacks sole jurisdiction.
Typically start 3 nautical miles from the coast; pilots may enter, but should check activity status and contact controlling agencies for safety.

MOAs are marked by hatched magenta lines and contain intense military maneuvers; IFR traffic is routed around them when active.
VFR flight is permitted without clearance, but pilots must exercise extreme caution and check activity status before entry.

Alert Areas, labeled "A" plus a number, indicate high volume pilot training or unusual aerial activity.
VFR pilots may enter without permission, but caution is advised due to high student pilot activity.

CFAs involve hazardous activities not on charts; activities stop if an aircraft approaches, monitored by spotters or radar for safety.

Special Use Airspace (SUA) — Airspace with specific use restrictions due to hazardous activities.
Prohibited Area — Airspace where entry is always forbidden for security reasons.
Restricted Area — Airspace with hazardous activities; entry only with permission or when inactive.
Warning Area — Offshore airspace with hazards, outside full US jurisdiction; entry allowed but not recommended during activity.
Military Operations Area (MOA) — Airspace for military training where VFR flight is allowed but risky.
Alert Area — Airspace notifying pilots of high training activity or unusual operations.
Controlled Firing Area (CFA) — Airspace where hazardous activities are suspended if aircraft approach.

Review the back of VFR sectional charts for current information on SUAs before each flight.
Check NOTAMs and contact controlling agencies when planning routes near SUAs.
Study related lessons and materials for continued pilot ground training.