FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningMedium
A pilot is planning a VFR flight through an area depicted on a sectional chart with a solid blue line and the letter 'R' followed by a number (e.g., R-2901). What does this symbol indicate, and what action should the pilot take?
- AA Restricted Area; obtain clearance from ATC before entry.
- BA Warning Area; exercise extreme caution due to military activity.
- CA Restricted Area; entry is prohibited to all aircraft at all times.
- DA Prohibited Area; avoid entry at all times.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. A Restricted Area; obtain clearance from ATC before entry.
A Restricted Area (depicted by a blue line with 'R' and a number) denotes airspace where flight operations are subject to restrictions due to activities that may be hazardous to non-participating aircraft. Pilots must obtain clearance from the controlling agency (usually ATC) before entering a Restricted Area when it is active.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Warning Areas are depicted with a similar symbol but are over international waters and do not require ATC clearance.
- C. Entry is not always prohibited; it depends on the activity status and ATC clearance.
- D. Prohibited Areas are depicted with a blue line and a 'P' followed by a number, and entry is always prohibited.
Restricted Area
Airspace designated by the FAA where flight is subject to restrictions due to activities that may pose a hazard to aircraft, such as artillery firing or missile launches.
- Depicted on sectional charts with a blue line and 'R' followed by a number.
- Entry requires clearance from the controlling agency (ATC) when active.
- Pilots without clearance may be subject to intercept or enforcement action.
Memory trick: Restricted Requires Request, Prohibited Prevents Passage