Special Use Airspace

Special Use Airspace (SUA) is a designated airspace where certain activities must be confined because of their nature, or where limitations may be imposed upon aircraft operations that are not part of those activities. SUA is established to accommodate military training, national security, or other activities that require airspace with specific restrictions. SUA includes Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, Military Operations Areas (MOAs), Alert Areas, Warning Areas, and Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs). Prohibited Areas are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare. Restricted Areas are established for operations that are hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. MOAs are established to separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic. Alert Areas are established to inform pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity. Warning Areas are established beyond the 12-mile limit to inform pilots of potential dangers. CFAs are established for military activities involving the use of gun, rocket, or missile firing.