UA.I.B.K18: Operating in prohibited or restricted areas.

ACS Area I — Regulations Task B: Operating Rules References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. parts 47, 48, 89, and 107, subpart B; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22

Key Concepts

Understanding Prohibited and Restricted Areas

Prohibited and restricted areas are types of special use airspace critical for safe integration of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.) into the National Airspace System (NASNational Airspace SystemCloseThe shared U.S. airspace system that drones must operate within.). For remote pilots operating under 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. Part 107, knowledge and adherence to the boundaries and rules of these areas is essential to remain compliant and to ensure aviation safety.

Prohibited Areas:
A prohibited area is established for security or other national welfare reasons. Aircraft, including sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it., are not allowed to operate in these areas under any circumstances. These areas are depicted on aeronautical charts and carry the designation “P” followed by a number (e.g., P-40)^[3]. Entering a prohibited area without authorization is strictly forbidden and may result in significant penalties.

Restricted Areas:
Restricted areas denote airspace where flight is not wholly prohibited but is subject to restrictions due to the existence of hazards to aircraft, such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or missile activity. While operations within these areas by nonparticipating aircraft are not expressly banned, entry is only permitted with specific authorization from the controlling agency. Uncoordinated entry can be extremely hazardous for both the aircraft and its occupants^[3].

Restricted areas are labeled with an "R" followed by a number (e.g., R-4401) on en route and sectional charts. Further details about active times, controlling agencies, and altitudes are provided within chart supplements or depicted directly on the chart^[3][8].

Operational Rules and Pilot Responsibilities

Remote pilots must thoroughly understand that:

• Operations in prohibited areas are never allowed for sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. under Part 107, regardless of the mission or type of sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. being operated^[3][8].
• Operations in restricted areas are only permissible if explicit permission is obtained from the using or controlling agency. This rule applies at all times the area is active^[3][8].
• If restricted airspace is not active and has been released to the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes., operations may proceed without additional authorization. If active and not released, operations must avoid entry, unless prior approval has been secured^[8].
• Authorization requirements are independent of airworthiness category or operational intention. Whether transiting, loitering, or conducting extended operations, entry into restricted or prohibited areas without prior approval is not permitted under Part 107^[3].
• Information regarding active times, controlling agencies, and area descriptions is found on sectional charts and in chart supplements. This information must be checked as part of the preflight planning process.

Hazards and Practical Implications:
Restricted and prohibited areas often contain invisible hazards (e.g., military firing ranges or security-sensitive zones). Uncoordinated penetration puts sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it. at risk from high-speed military operations, live-fire exercises, or other hazardous activities^[3]. There are no exceptions for small unmanned aircraft unless waiver or explicit administrative approval is given.

Locating and Identifying Restricted and Prohibited Airspace

To ensure compliance:

• Use current VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. sectional or terminal area charts where prohibited areas are marked with "P" numbers and restricted areas with "R" numbers^[3].
• For restricted areas, the governing authority and time of use information are included on the back of the appropriate charts or within chart supplements^[3].
• For joint-use restricted areas (areas occasionally released to the FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.), the controlling agency is identified, and it is possible to secure authorization when the area is inactive^[8].
• For all prohibited areas and nonjoint-use restricted areas, the expectation is absolute avoidance unless separate approval is documented^[8].

Operational Note:
Pilot-in-command responsibility includes verifying both the airspace classification and the active/inactive status of restricted areas prior to any operation. Failure to do so can result in both regulatory violations and serious safety consequences.