What does Special Use Airspace consist of?

Special Use Airspace consists of areas designated for specific purposes, which primarily include Restricted Areas, Prohibited Areas, and Military Operations Areas (MOAs).

Restricted Areas are designated by the FAA to protect either people on the ground or aircraft in the air from hazards such as manned or unmanned aerial operations, and they typically require clearance from the controlling agency to enter. Prohibited Areas serve a similar function but are even more stringent, where access is completely restricted due to national security or other critical concerns. Military Operations Areas are designated for the use of military training activities, and while flying through them is generally permitted for civilian aircraft, it is important to be aware of ongoing military operations that might pose a risk.

This specific classification is what distinguishes Special Use Airspace from other types of airspace, such as Class A, B, and C airspace, which are more general categories of controlled airspace, focused primarily on the management and coordination of air traffic to ensure safety and efficiency. Additionally, Standard operational airspace and air traffic control (ATC) areas represent structured environments rather than specially designated use, while unregulated commercial airspace does not fit into the criteria of Special Use Airspace.