Using agency

This regulation simply defines what "using agency" means when dealing with prohibited airspace areas. The using agency is whoever established the need for that prohibited area in the first place—typically a federal agency, organization, or military command.

Why this matters: When you encounter a prohibited area on a sectional chart (marked with a "P" followed by a number), the using agency is the authority responsible for that airspace restriction. This is the organization that determined flying there poses a security or safety concern. For example, the Secret Service might be the using agency for prohibited airspace around the White House, while the Department of Energy might establish prohibited areas around certain nuclear facilities.

Knowing the using agency helps identify who has authority over that airspace and who would handle any questions or waiver requests, though as a practical matter, pilots should simply avoid all prohibited areas unless they have explicit authorization.

*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.*