FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceMedium
A pilot notices a dashed blue line on a sectional chart labeled 'NSA' with a note advising pilots to voluntarily avoid the area. This depicts a:
- AMilitary Operations Area
- BControlled Firing Area
- CProhibited Area
- DNational Security Area
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. National Security Area
National Security Areas (NSAs) are depicted with a dashed blue line and request voluntary pilot avoidance to protect ground-based assets. Unlike Prohibited Areas, flight is not automatically forbidden unless a NOTAM temporarily makes it mandatory.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. MOAs are for military training and depicted with magenta shading, not labeled 'NSA'.
- B. Controlled Firing Areas are not depicted on charts at all, since activity ceases if aircraft are detected.
- C. Prohibited Areas mandate no entry and are labeled 'P-', not 'NSA'.
National Security Area (NSA)
Airspace depicted with a dashed blue line where pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying, established to protect ground-based assets; may become mandatory via NOTAM.
- Not automatically restrictive unless a NOTAM makes it mandatory.
- Depicted with dashed blue border on sectional charts.
- Different from MOAs, Restricted, and Prohibited areas.
Memory trick: 'Blue dashes, please stay away — NSA asks nicely.'