Map of special use airspace R2508 in the Mojave Desert, a Restricted Airspace.
Special use airspace (SUA) is a type of special airspaces in the United States designated for operations of a nature such that limitations may be imposed on aircraft not participating in those operations. Often these operations are of a military nature. The designation of SUAs identifies for other users the areas where such activity occurs, provides for segregation of that activity from other users, and allows charting to keep airspace users informed of potential hazards.
Contain activities that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft, but ceased immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate an aircraft might be approaching the area
Not required
Non-aircraft ordnance disposal, blasting, and static testing of large rockets.[6]
For military aircraft's training on “low level” combat tactics. The routes are further divided into IFR Military Training Routes (IR) and VFR Military Training Routes (VR).[7]: 3-5-2
To protect persons and property in the air or on the surface from an existing or imminent hazard associated with an incident on the surface when the presence of low flying aircraft would magnify, alter, spread, or compound that hazard. These include public figure visits, disaster relieves, sports events, and space-launch missions.[7]: 3-5-3.b
Help pilots transition around, under and through complex airspaces. These routes include “VFR Flyway”, “VFR Corridor”, and “Class B Airspace VFR Transition Route”.[7]: 3-5-5
VFR Flyway: a general flight path in planning flights inside or near complex terminal airspace to avoid Class B airspace. ATC clearances are not required.
VFR corridor: defined corridor through class B airspace. ATC communications or clearances are not required.
Class B Airspace VFR Transition Routes: a specific flight course for transiting a specific class B airspace. These routes include specific ATC‐assigned altitudes, and pilots must obtain an ATC clearance before entering Class B airspace on the route.[7]: 3-5-7
An area of airspace over land or water, in which the ready identification, location, and control of all aircraft (except Department of Defense and law enforcement aircraft) is required in the interest of national security.[8]: 5-6-3.a
Altitude Reservation (ALTRV)
This airspace ensures non-participating IFR aircraft remain separated from special activity. Non-participating VFR aircraft are permitted to fly through the area with caution.[7]: 3-5-9.a
Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspaces (ATCAA)
Airspaces assigned by air traffic controllers for the purpose of providing air traffic segregation between the specified activities being conducted within the assigned airspace and other IFR air traffic.[7]: 3-5-9.b
Prohibited Area P-40 near Camp David on an aeronautical chart.
All permanent SUA areas, except for controlled firing areas, are depicted on aeronautical charts, including sectional aeronautical charts, VFR terminal area charts, and applicable en-route charts, accompanied with these areas' respective the hours of operation, altitudes, and the controlling agency. Controlled firing areas, temporary military operations areas, and temporary restricted areas are not shown on the charts.[1]: 3-4-1
Notices
In addition to charts, pilots can verify the status of permanent SUAs by contacting the using or controlling agency. These contact information are included in chart margins. For temporary or permanent SUAs requiring a NOTAM for activation, an airspace NOTAM will be issued, and pilots can the SUA status via air route traffic control centers. Alaska's military operation runs Special Use Airspace Information Service to inform civilian VFR traffic about certain military operation areas and restricted airspaces within central Alaska.[1]: 3-4-9
Outside the U.S.
SUAs are more commonly recognized by International Civil Aviation Organization as Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA),[10]: Appendix A. Part II. Article 1. an airspace management concept where airspaces should never be designated as purely civil or military, but rather as a continuum in which all user demands are accommodated to the greatest possible extent.[10]: 3.2.1
Notes
^Unless authorization has been granted by the agency, organization or military command that established the requirements for the prohibited area.[2] Such rarely authorized aircraft include the United States President's helicopter.[3]