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Airspace: Special-Use Airspace

Objectives​

Understand the different types of special use airspace, their entry requirements and restrictions, plus TFRs.

Motivations​

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

References​