Restrictions

This regulation establishes the fundamental rule for prohibited areas: you cannot fly your aircraft into one unless you've received specific authorization from the agency that controls it. Prohibited areas are established for security or other national welfare reasons, such as military installations, government facilities, or sensitive sites.

In practical terms, this means you must plan your route to avoid prohibited areas shown on sectional charts (marked with a "P" followed by a number, like "P-40"). These areas are not like restricted areas where you might transit with ATC coordination—they're genuinely off-limits to civilian operations unless you've obtained advance permission from the controlling agency, which is typically a military branch or government entity.

Violating this regulation by entering a prohibited area without authorization can result in serious consequences, including certificate action, civil penalties, and potentially criminal charges depending on the nature of the protected area.

*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.*