FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsEasy
A pilot is reviewing a sectional chart and notices a Prohibited Area near the planned route. What does this designation mean for VFR flight?
- AThe area requires two-way radio contact but flight is otherwise unrestricted
- BFlight of any kind is prohibited within the area at all times unless otherwise authorized by the FAA
- CVFR flight is permitted only with prior authorization from the controlling agency
- DThe area is restricted only during published hours of military activity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Flight of any kind is prohibited within the area at all times unless otherwise authorized by the FAA
A Prohibited Area is established for security or other reasons and flight is not permitted within its boundaries at any time, regardless of VFR or IFR status, unless specific authorization is granted by the controlling agency.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A Prohibited Area is not simply a radio-contact-required zone; it is a no-fly area.
- C. Prohibited Areas do not allow VFR entry with mere authorization; entry is barred outright except by specific FAA approval.
- D. This describes an Alert or Restricted Area with published active hours, not a Prohibited Area.
Prohibited Area
Special use airspace within which flight is prohibited at all times for security or other reasons, depicted on charts with a 'P' designation.
- Established over sensitive locations like the White House
- No flight permitted without specific FAA authorization
- Depicted on sectional charts with blue hash marks and a P-number
Memory trick: 'P' means 'Positively No Entry'