FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningMedium
A pilot is planning a flight and notes an area on the sectional chart depicted with a blue line with hash marks. This indicates:
- AA prohibited area.
- BA military operations area (MOA).
- CA warning area.
- DA restricted area.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A restricted area.
A blue line with hash marks on a sectional chart depicts a Restricted Area. Flight through Restricted Areas is not entirely prohibited, but it is subject to restrictions and may require prior authorization from the controlling agency due to the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing or guided missiles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. Prohibited areas are depicted by a blue line with hash marks and a 'P' prefix, but are explicitly 'prohibited' rather than 'restricted'.
- B. Incorrect. MOAs are depicted by a magenta line with hash marks.
- C. Incorrect. Warning areas are similar to restricted areas but are over international waters and are depicted with a blue line with hash marks and 'W' prefix.
Restricted Area (Sectional)
Airspace where flight is subject to restrictions due to the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft.
- Depicted by a blue line with hash marks on sectional charts.
- Requires prior authorization from the controlling agency to enter, or is active at specific times.
- Hazards include artillery firing, guided missiles, etc.
Memory trick: MOAs are Magenta, Restricted is Royal (blue) with hashes.