Definitions should include the following:
- Special-use airspace or special area of operation (SAO) is the designation for airspace in which certain activities must be confined, or where limitations may be imposed on aircraft operations that are not part of those activities.
- Certain special-use airspace areas can create limitations on the mixed use of airspace. The special-use airspace depicted on instrument charts includes the area name or number, effective altitude, time and weather conditions of operation, the controlling agency, and the chart panel location.
- On National Aeronautical Charting Group (NACG) en route charts, this information is available on one of the end panels.
- Special-use airspace usually consists of
- prohibited areas
- restricted areas
- warning areas
- military operation areas (MOAs)
- alert areas
- controlled firing areas (CFAs).
PLT033