Special use airspace

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Map of special use airspace R2508 in the Mojave Desert R-2508 special use airspace.png
Map of special use airspace R2508 in the Mojave Desert

Special use airspace (USA) is airspace designated for operations that may cause limitations on other, uninvolved aircraft. These operations are often military. Designating these sections of airspace helps inform pilots about the potential hazards so that they can be easily avoided. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Most SUAs are depicted on aeronautical charts and, in the United States, listed on FAA websites.

The International Civil Aviation Organization defines SUAs as Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA), [4] :Appendix A. Part II. Article 1. an airspace management concept where airspaces should never be designated as purely civil or military, but rather as a continuum in which all user demands are accommodated to the greatest possible extent. [4] :3.2.1

Types

Special use airspace includes:

Prohibited Airspace

Prohibited airspace are areas where flight is not permitted, unless a clearance is issued by ATC or a relevant agency, usually for security reasons. [3] [5]

Restricted Airspace

Restricted airspace are areas where potentially invisible and extreme dangers towards aircraft will be present, causing flight to be restricted or limited. [3] [5] In the UK, temporary restricted airspace can be created for large events, contests, or national security purposes. [5]

In the United States

In the United States, a few types of SUAs exist:

References

  1. ""Policy for the Establishment and Operation of Special Use Airspace"" (PDF). United Kingdom: CAA. p. 3.
  2. "Special Use Airspace (SUA) | SKYbrary Aviation Safety". skybrary.aero. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Special Use Airspace". www.faa.gov. Archived from the original on 2025-07-17. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  4. 1 2 "Cir 330. AN/189. Civil/Military Cooperation in Air Traffic Management" (PDF). Montréal: International Civil Aviation Organization . Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  5. 1 2 3 "Prohibited and Restricted Areas". CAA Infringement Tutorial. Retrieved 2025-09-28.
  6. "Chapter 3. Airspace. Section 4. Special Use Airspace". Aeronautical Information Manual. Federal Aviation Administration . Retrieved 14 January 2024.