Plain English Meaning

A patch of airspace off the U.S. coast where dangerous activity, such as military exercises, may be happening. You are not banned from flying through it, but you are warned that it may be unsafe.

Full Definition

A type of special use airspace extending from 3 nautical miles outward from the coast of the United States, containing activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. Warning areas may be located over domestic or international waters or both, and exist to warn pilots of the potential danger. Unlike Restricted Areas, the airspace is not under exclusive U.S. jurisdiction, so flight is not legally prohibited, but it is strongly discouraged when the area is active.

Context Anchor

Seen on aeronautical charts and during route planning, especially near coastal .