Special-use airspace explained

Special-use airspace (SUA) designates volumes where activities require limits on other aircraft, or where pilots should be alert to unusual operations. It overlays the normal airspace classes. The main categories:

• Prohibited areas (P-) — flight is forbidden, period (e.g. over the White House).
• Restricted areas (R-) — flight is restricted because of hazards like artillery or guided missiles; entry requires permission from the controlling agency when the area is "hot."
• Warning areas (W-) — like restricted areas but over international waters, starting 3 nm off the coast; hazards may exist but the US can't legally "prohibit."
• Military operations areas (MOAs) — separate military training (air combat maneuvers, formation flying) from IFR traffic; VFR aircraft may transit but should be vigilant.
• Alert areas (A-) — high volume of pilot training or unusual activity; all pilots, including those operating in the area, are equally responsible for collision avoidance.
• Controlled firing areas (CFAs) — activities that would be hazardous are suspended when radar or a spotter detects approaching aircraft, so they aren't charted.

SUA is depicted on sectionals with blue or magenta hatched boundaries and a label. Their active times, altitudes and controlling agency are listed in the chart margin or the Chart Supplement. Checking SUA status (via NOTAMs or flight service) is a standard preflight step.

*Reference and training only. Consult current charts, NOTAMs and the FAA AIM.*