Prohibited area

Prohibited area is airspace established to protect a location by prohibiting aircraft flight through the area. It is identified on aeronautical charts by a designation and number, such as P-XXXX. The location and boundaries are published so pilots can avoid the area during route planning.

What it governs

A prohibited area differs from a restricted area because flight is not permitted through the prohibited area under normal operating conditions. The boundary, dimensions, and regulatory text control. A pilot should not assume that communication with ATC or an emergency transponder code authorizes entry.

A restricted area can have operating status and authorization procedures. A warning area identifies hazards outside domestic territory. These terms should not be interchanged when reading a chart or planning a route.

Example

A pilot planning a coastal route sees a prohibited area ahead. The route is adjusted to remain outside the published boundary with an appropriate margin. The pilot checks current charts and notices for any boundary change before departure.

Why it matters

A prohibited area may protect a site where aircraft overflight is not allowed for security or other public-interest reasons. Entering the area can create a regulatory and operational problem even when no activity is visible from the cockpit.

Use current FAA charts and the Aeronautical Information Manual. This glossary entry does not identify current prohibited areas or replace the chart used for navigation.

Related terms and tools

• Restricted area
• Warning area
• FAA airspace resources