Plain English Meaning

A defined block of airspace where dangerous military activity may be taking place. You can't fly through it when it's active unless the controlling agency clears you in.

Full Definition

A type of special use airspace within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restrictions because of the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to nonparticipating aircraft, such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missile operations. Aircraft may not enter an active restricted area without permission from the controlling agency.

Context Anchor

Pilots encounter Restricted Areas on aviation charts, in route planning, and during preflight briefings. They are commonly labeled with an R followed by numbers, such as R-2301.