Plain English Meaning

It's airspace marked on charts because something is happening there that pilots should know about — like military training or live firing exercises — but it isn't legally restricted. You can usually fly through it, though you should be careful and aware.

Full Definition

A category of special use airspace established to alert pilots to areas where specific activities take place, but which does not carry the force of federal regulation. It includes Military Operations Areas (MOAs), Warning Areas, Alert Areas, and Controlled Firing Areas. Pilots are not legally prohibited from entering most non-regulatory special use airspace, but they are expected to exercise caution and remain aware of the activity occurring there.

Context Anchor

Seen on charts, in instrument procedures, and during planning when a route may pass near military, training, or other unusual activity areas.