Special use airspace, TFRs and other areas
8 min readLesson 33 of 593D lab
By the end of this lesson you'll be able to:
- Describe each type of special use airspace
- Explain TFRs and how to check for them
- Recognize military training routes and other airspace areas
Special use airspace
- Prohibited areas (P-xx): flight is not allowed, for security reasons (for example, over the White House).
- Restricted areas (R-xx): hazards like artillery firing or missile testing. Don't enter when active without permission from the controlling agency.
- Warning areas (W-xx): like restricted areas, but over international waters starting 3 NM off the coast.
- Military operations areas (MOAs): military training. VFR flight is allowed, but use extreme caution and contact the controlling agency or a nearby ATC facility for activity.
- Alert areas (A-xx): a high volume of pilot training or unusual activity. Be alert.
- Controlled firing areas: not charted; activities stop when an aircraft approaches.
Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs)
TFRs pop up for wildfires, presidential movements, stadium events, disasters and more. They're issued by NOTAM, and flying into one can cost you your certificate, or get you intercepted. Check for TFRs before every flight, using an official briefing or a source like tfr.faa.gov or an EFB app. Permanent restrictions like the Washington, DC Special Flight Rules Area require special training.
Other airspace areas
- Military training routes: IR (instrument) and VR (visual) routes where military jets fly fast and low. Four-digit numbers mean the route is at or below 1,500 ft AGL; three-digit numbers mean some segments are above 1,500 ft AGL.
- Parachute jump areas, published in the Chart Supplement.
- National security areas: pilots are asked to voluntarily avoid them; they can become temporarily prohibited by NOTAM.
- Terminal radar service areas (TRSAs): optional radar service around certain airports.
Key takeaways
- Prohibited: never. Restricted: not when active without permission. MOA: allowed, use caution.
- Check NOTAMs for TFRs before every flight.
- MTRs with four digits are at or below 1,500 ft AGL.
What the examiner may ask
Practice answering out loud before you open each answer.
How do you check for TFRs?
With an official briefing (Flight Service or an approved source), tfr.faa.gov or an EFB with current NOTAMs, right before the flight.
Can you fly through a restricted area?
Not when it's active, unless you have permission from the controlling agency. Check the chart and NOTAMs for times.
What's in an MOA and what should you do?
Military training. VFR is allowed; contact the controlling agency or ATC for activity and use extreme caution.
Common mistakes
- Checking for TFRs the night before but not right before the flight.
- Assuming an MOA is off-limits or assuming it's always empty.
- Not knowing who controls nearby restricted areas.
Read it in the FAA sources
Go deeper on the site
Lesson check
Get every question right to complete the lesson. Take your time; wrong answers explain why.
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