Plain English Meaning

A CFA is a piece of airspace where potentially dangerous activities (like firing weapons or testing) take place, but the people running the activity stop everything the moment an aircraft is seen approaching. Because the activity is halted before any aircraft gets close, pilots don't need to avoid CFAs and they aren't shown on charts.

Full Definition

Controlled Firing Areas are designated areas of airspace containing activities that, if not conducted in a controlled environment, could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. CFAs are distinguished from other special use airspace in that their activities are suspended immediately when a spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout observes an aircraft approaching the area. Because nonparticipating aircraft are not required to change course or alter flight, CFAs are not depicted on .