Restrictions

You cannot fly your aircraft inside a restricted area during its active times and altitudes unless you get advance permission from the appropriate authority. There are two agencies that can grant this permission: the "using agency" (typically the military unit or other entity actually conducting the restricted operations) or the "controlling agency" (usually the FAA facility managing the airspace).

This regulation protects both you and whatever operations are happening in the restricted area—often military training, weapons testing, or other hazardous activities. The key word is "advance"—you must get permission before entering, not during flight. Check the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD) for contact information and procedures for each restricted area. Some restricted areas have published times when they're "cold" (inactive) and you can fly through without permission, but you must verify the schedule beforehand.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*