A dispatcher reviewing a route notices the flight will pass near 'Restricted Area R-2508.' What does this designation indicate?
- AThe area is advisory only, and no restriction exists on flight through it without radio contact
- BThe area is controlled solely by the ARTCC and any IFR aircraft may enter with a standard clearance
- CThe area is reserved exclusively for civilian flight training maneuvers during daylight hours
- DAircraft may not enter without authorization from the controlling agency due to hazards such as artillery firing or aerial gunnery
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Aircraft may not enter without authorization from the controlling agency due to hazards such as artillery firing or aerial gunnery
Restricted Areas denote airspace containing unusual, often invisible, hazards to nonparticipating aircraft (e.g., artillery fire, guided missiles) and require permission from the controlling agency to enter, even under IFR the flight must be cleared around or through by the appropriate ATC facility coordinating with the using agency.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Restricted areas are regulatory, not merely advisory, when active.
- B. IFR clearance through active Restricted airspace still requires coordination with the using/controlling agency, not just standard ARTCC handling.
- C. Restricted areas are established for military/hazardous activities, not civilian training.
Restricted Area
Special use airspace containing unusual, often invisible hazards to aircraft, requiring permission from the controlling agency to enter when active.
- Depicted with hatched blue borders on charts
- Contains hazards such as artillery, gunnery, or guided missiles
- IFR aircraft are vectored around or cleared through by ATC coordination with the using agency
Memory trick: 'Please Remember Warnings About MOAs Nearby' — Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, Alert, MOA, National Security Area