Special Use Airspace

Warning area

  • depicted with a blue border
  • warns non-participating aircraft of unusual hazards
  • starts at 3NM off the coast and extends outward to at least 12 NM off the coastal area
  • pilots must exercise extreme caution
Alert area, image from PHAK 15-6

Alert area

  • depicted with a magenta border
  • denotes an area having a high concentration of military student training
  • pilots must exercise extreme caution
Restricted Area, image from PHAK 15-3

Restricted area

  • depicted with a blue border
  • denotes an area having unusual and invisible hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles
  • pilots must get a clearance from ATC(controlling agency, using agency) prior to entering

MOA(Military Operations Area)

  • depicted with a magenta border
  • separates an area containing military activities from IFR traffic
  • VFR pilots must exercise extreme caution
  • IFR pilots must get a clearance before entering
Prohibited Area, image from PHAK 15-2

Prohibited area

  • depicted with a blue border
  • contains airspace where flight is prohibited
  • established for security or national welfare

Controlled firing area

  • not depicted
  • do not cause non-participating aircraft to change their flight paths
  • when a spotter aircraft, radar, or ground personnel determines and aircraft might be approaching the area, the activities are discontinued