FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsEasy
A pilot is planning a VFR flight that will pass through a Prohibited Area depicted on the sectional chart. What action is required before entering this airspace?
- AAvoid the airspace, as flight is prohibited.
- BContact the controlling agency for permission to enter.
- CObtain special VFR clearance from ATC.
- DMonitor the controlling agency's frequency for advisories.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Avoid the airspace, as flight is prohibited.
Prohibited Areas are established for security or other reasons associated with national welfare. Flight within a Prohibited Area is absolutely forbidden for all aircraft, without exception, unless specific authorization has been granted by the using agency, which is generally not available to general aviation VFR flights.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While some special use airspace allows contact for permission, Prohibited Areas generally do not permit entry.
- C. Special VFR clearance applies to weather minimums, not entry into prohibited airspace.
- D. Monitoring a frequency does not grant permission to enter prohibited airspace.
Prohibited Area
A Prohibited Area is designated airspace where flight is prohibited for reasons of national security or welfare. Entry into this airspace is not allowed under any circumstances for general aviation.
- Flight is prohibited at all times for all aircraft.
- Established for national security or welfare.
- Depicted on sectional charts with a 'P' followed by a number.
Memory trick: Protected (P) means NO flying.