FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationEasy
A pilot reviewing a sectional chart near Washington, D.C. notices an area outlined with a blue hatched border and labeled 'P-40.' What does this designation mean for VFR flight planning?
- AThe area is only hazardous during charted times listed in the Chart Supplement
- BFlight within the area is prohibited to all aircraft, regardless of prior arrangement
- CThe area requires a two-way radio contact with ATC before entry, but is otherwise open
- DThe area is reserved exclusively for parachute jump operations
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Flight within the area is prohibited to all aircraft, regardless of prior arrangement
A 'P' designation identifies a Prohibited Area, established for security or other reasons of national welfare. Unlike a Restricted Area, entry is never permitted, even with ATC clearance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Time-limited hazard areas describe Alert or Restricted Areas, not Prohibited Areas.
- C. This describes a Restricted or National Security Area, not a Prohibited Area.
- D. Parachute operations are shown with a separate symbol, unrelated to the 'P' designation.
Prohibited Area
A block of airspace within which flight is prohibited for security or other reasons, charted with a blue border and the letter 'P' followed by a number.
- Charted as 'P-XXX' with blue hatched border
- No entry is allowed, even with ATC clearance
- Established for national security or safety reasons
- Examples include areas over the White House and Camp David
Memory trick: 'P' is for Positively No Entry!