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Airspace: Special-Use Airspace

Objective​

Identify special use airspace on a chart and describe their limitations and entry requirements. Also understand chart publication frequencies and effective dates.

Motivation​

There is a large collection of special-use airspace (SUA), which supplements the basic classes of airspace. This airspace is used to protect special activities on the ground or in the air. Pilots need to to know which airspace they are allowed to operate in or through.

Timings​

45 minutes

Format​

  • Whiteboard / EFB

Elements​

Special-Use Airspace Types​

  • Prohibited Areas
    • Entry not allowed
    • Examples
      • P-51 (N of KPWT)
      • P-56 near (N of KDCA)
  • Restricted Areas
    • Permission needed from controlling agency when airspace is active
    • Examples
      • R-6601 (SE of KEZF)
      • R-6701 (S of KNRA)
  • Warning Areas
    • Similar hazards as restricted areas
    • Located 3 s.m. offshore
    • Doesn't require permission to enter
    • Examples
      • W-532N (W of KSBP)
  • Military Operation Areas (MOAs)
    • Doesn't require permission to enter
    • See and avoid aircraft
    • There are also MOA exclusion areas, for airports within the MOA
    • Examples
      • Hunter MOA (N of KSBP)
      • Eel A MOA (KAST)
      • KAAF (MOA exclusion area)
  • Alert Areas
    • Areas of unusual flight activity or large amounts of flight training
    • Does not require permission to enter
    • Examples
      • A-231: AZ28
  • Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs)
    • Areas of operations which would be hazardous to non-participating aircraft, if not controlled.
    • Spotter aircraft are used to watch
    • Not charted
  • National Security Areas
    • Aircraft are asked to avoid due to the sensitivity of national security
    • Examples
      • N of KASN
      • N of KPWT
  • Airport Advisory Areas
    • Airport is part of a airport advisory program
    • Not charted
  • Military training routes
    • Special training routes used by the military
    • Aircraft speeds can be in excess of 250 knots
    • Visual vs instrument
      • IR routes: Training in any weather conditions
      • VR routes: Training conducted with > 5 s.m. visibility and >3000' ceiling
    • Numbering system
      • IR1206: Four digits means no segment above 1,500' AGL
      • IR207: Three digits means one or more segments above 1,500' AGL
      • Alternates end in A or B (IR206A, VR10007B)
    • Examples
      • VR97-1059 (NE of KJYL)
  • Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
    • A NOTAM closing a certain radius of airspace for prohibited, airspace, national security
    • Examples
      • Airshows
      • NFL or MLB stadiums during game time
      • Firefighting
      • Presidential visits
  • Parachute, Glider, Ultralights
    • Examples
      • NW of KHIO
  • Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)
    • Same services as a Class C airport, but participation is voluntary
    • KAZO
  • Special Flight Rules Area
    • Sectional: Washington D.C. (KDCA), Grand Canyon (KGCN), Pearson (KVUO)
    • D.C. SFRA requires completion of an online course
    • More information in 14 CFR Part 93

Currency of Publications​

  • Aeronautical charts are published every 56 days
  • Effective and expiration days are listed on the chart

Questions​

  • Your flight plan will take you over a military operation area (MOA). Where can you find information about whether it's active? If it is active, can you still fly through it?
  • You hear on the news that the president is visiting town on Saturday, the same day you were planning to fly. What would be sure to check before you depart?
  • You're planning a scenic flight over the Grand Canyon. Where would you find information about the flight operations allowed there?
  • Your flight has you cross this military training route VR1084. Where would you expect to find military aircraft along that route?

References​