FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsEasy
A pilot plans a cross-country flight that crosses a Restricted Area depicted on the sectional chart as active. What must the pilot do to legally fly through this airspace?
- AClimb above 18,000 feet MSL to avoid the restriction
- BFile an IFR flight plan regardless of weather conditions
- CObtain permission from the controlling agency before entering
- DNothing, since VFR flight is always permitted through Restricted Areas
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Obtain permission from the controlling agency before entering
Restricted Areas contain hazards such as artillery firing or aerial gunnery, and pilots must obtain permission from the controlling agency (often noted on the chart or through Flight Service) before entering when the area is active.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Climbing to 18,000 feet MSL enters Class A airspace and does not address Restricted Area boundaries, which can extend to any altitude.
- B. Filing IFR does not automatically grant access to active Restricted Areas.
- D. VFR flight is not automatically permitted; the area must not be active or permission must be granted.
Restricted Area
Special use airspace containing unusual, often invisible hazards such as artillery firing; entry requires permission from the controlling agency when active.
- Depicted with blue hatched lines and an 'R' designator on sectional charts
- Times of activity often listed in the chart margin or obtained from Flight Service
- Penetration without clearance while active can be hazardous and illegal
Memory trick: Restricted means ask first, boom later