Plain English Meaning

Chunks of sky set aside for specific activities — usually military training, weapons testing, or other operations that don't mix well with normal traffic. Civilian pilots either can't enter, need permission to enter, or should stay alert when flying through.

Full Definition

Special Use Airspaces are areas of airspace within which certain activities must be confined, or where limitations are imposed on aircraft operations that are not part of those activities. Categories include Prohibited Areas, Restricted Areas, Warning Areas, Military Operations Areas (MOAs), Alert Areas, and Controlled Firing Areas.

Context Anchor

Seen during flight planning, on aeronautical charts, in , and when discusses whether a crosses .