UA.II.A.K2: Special-use airspace, such as prohibited, restricted, warning areas, military operation areas, alert

ACS Area II — Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements Task A: Airspace Classification References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 71; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; 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

Categories and Types of Special Use Airspace

Special Use Airspace (SUASpecial Use AirspaceCloseAirspace where activities or restrictions may require extra attention, such as MOAs or restricted areas.) is airspace wherein activities must be confined due to their nature or limitations are imposed upon aircraft operations that are not part of those activities. SUASpecial Use AirspaceCloseAirspace where activities or restrictions may require extra attention, such as MOAs or restricted areas. falls broadly into two groups: regulatory (prohibited and restricted areas) and nonregulatory (Military Operations AreasMilitary Operations AreaCloseSpecial use airspace where military training may occur. It is shown on charts and matters for traffic awareness. (MOAsMilitary Operations AreaCloseSpecial use airspace where military training may occur. It is shown on charts and matters for traffic awareness.), warning areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas)^[1][5][7]. Understanding the distinctions and operational implications of each type of SUASpecial Use AirspaceCloseAirspace where activities or restrictions may require extra attention, such as MOAs or restricted areas. is essential for remote pilots, as entry requirements and associated risks differ.

Prohibited and Restricted Areas

Prohibited Areas: These are specifically defined airspace where all aircraft flight is strictly forbidden for reasons of national security or other critical national interests. A well-known example is the airspace over Camp David, designated as Prohibited Area P-40^[3]. Drone pilots must never enter prohibited areas under any circumstances.

Restricted Areas: These areas contain airspace within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restriction due to the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft, such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or missile activities. When a restricted area is active, access is only with controlling agency permission. Drone pilots must consult current aeronautical charts and NOTAMsNotice to Airmen / Notice to Air MissionsCloseOfficial notice about temporary conditions, hazards, or changes that can affect a flight. to verify the status and controlling agency before considering entry^[5][7].

Warning, Military Operation, and Alert Areas

Warning Areas: These extend from 3 nautical miles outward from the U.S. coast and contain activities that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. While not regulatory, entry into a warning area involves the same potential dangers as restricted areas, except that activities are over waters where the U.S. does not have full jurisdiction. Permission is not required, but extreme caution—along with awareness of ongoing hazardous operations—is necessary^[7].

Military Operations Areas (MOAs): MOAsMilitary Operations AreaCloseSpecial use airspace where military training may occur. It is shown on charts and matters for traffic awareness. are established for the separation of certain military activities from IFRInstrument Flight RulesCloseRules for operating primarily by instruments. On the exam, IFR often appears in weather, traffic, and airspace context. traffic. Operations such as air combat tactics, intercepts, and aerobatics may be ongoing. While MOAsMilitary Operations AreaCloseSpecial use airspace where military training may occur. It is shown on charts and matters for traffic awareness. do not exclude VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. (or drone) flights, remote pilots must exercise heightened see-and-avoid vigilance. The risks are significant: fast-moving, maneuvering military aircraft may be present who may not see a small UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.^[7]. It is advisable to contact the controlling agency listed on the sectional chart for traffic advisories and the current status.

Alert Areas: These airspace segments may contain high volumes of pilot training or unusual aerial activity. All pilots in or transiting an alert area (including remote pilots) are equally responsible for collision avoidance. Unlike restricted or prohibited areas, there are no entry restrictions, but vigilance is critical^[7].

Practical Considerations for Remote Pilots

• Chart Identification: All SUAs are depicted and identified on sectional and other aeronautical charts. Before each operation, remote pilots must review charts and NOTAMsNotice to Airmen / Notice to Air MissionsCloseOfficial notice about temporary conditions, hazards, or changes that can affect a flight. for the presence and status of nearby SUAs^[3][5].
• Procedural Compliance: Entry into prohibited areas is never permissible. Entry into an active restricted area requires advance permission from the controlling agency. MOAsMilitary Operations AreaCloseSpecial use airspace where military training may occur. It is shown on charts and matters for traffic awareness., warning, and alert areas do not require explicit clearance, but presence of hazardous activity should always be verified, and heightened see-and-avoid measures must be taken^[7].
• Notification and Coordination: For MOAsMilitary Operations AreaCloseSpecial use airspace where military training may occur. It is shown on charts and matters for traffic awareness. and restricted airspace, contact the controlling agency (frequency published on sectional charts) before flight to determine status and request advisories when practical.
• Operational Limits: Remote pilots must remember that activities within SUAs may not be visible from the ground or drone’s perspective; even when entry is legally allowed, prudent pre-flight planning and ongoing airspace awareness are critical to safety.

InteractiveStep 1 — Special Use Airspace symbols: clean diagram

Decoder Sheet

Norfolk, VA — Class B/C/D, Warning Areas, Restricted

Tap a marker, read the plain-English rule, then zoom into the same FAA-style chart without a second coordinate system.

Fig. 200 interactive markers — click to explore

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FAA-CT-8080-2H (Public Domain) — Training only. Not for navigation or operational authorization.

Tap any symbol on the map · scroll to zoom

Real FAA Chart

Step 2 — MOA and terrain on a real FAA chart

Figure 21 from FAA-CT-8080-2H: Minot, ND sectional. Click any highlighted circle to reveal the Part 107 rule for that airspace type.

🔍Click any highlighted circle to see the Part 107 rule · Scroll to zoom · Drag to pan

Fig. 210 interactive markers — click to explore

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FAA-CT-8080-2H (Public Domain) — For training purposes only. Not for navigation.

FAA-CT-8080-2H Figure 21 — not to scale, not for navigation