Special use airspace

Special use airspace is designated airspace where activities or restrictions require pilots to use specific operating information and procedures. The category includes prohibited areas, restricted areas, warning areas, military operations areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas. Each type has a different purpose and set of operating considerations.

What it governs

Charts identify special use airspace with boundaries, names or numbers, altitudes, and other notes. Some areas prohibit entry, some restrict entry when active, and some warn pilots about hazards. A military operations area separates certain military training activity from other IFR traffic but does not have the same meaning as a restricted area.

The status and controlling agency may be published in the Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, or other official sources. A pilot must read the chart legend and area-specific information rather than applying one rule to every special use area.

Example

A pilot planning a cross-country route finds a restricted area and an MOA along the direct course. The pilot checks the current chart, planned altitude, activation information, and available detours before selecting a route. The same route decision would not automatically apply to a prohibited area.

Why it matters

Special use airspace can change the legal route, available altitude, communications plan, and hazard picture. Conditions may be temporary or scheduled. Review the information close to departure and update the plan when the route or timing changes.

The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual and current charts provide the governing information. This glossary page is a classification reference, not a live airspace status service.

Related terms and tools

• Military operations area
• Restricted area
• NOTAM