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CA.I.E.K3FAA-S-ACS-7B · Nov 2023Knowledge

Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restric...

ACS element text (the applicant demonstrates understanding of)

Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.

Bottom line

Each person operating an aircraft to, from, or within airspace designated as a SATR area or SFRA must adhere to the special air traffic rules set forth in 14 CFR part 93, as applicable, unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC.

Key numbers

Key numbers for Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restric...
NumberWhat it means
within 2,000 feet above the surface and within a 3-nautical-mile radius (normal limit for protecting persons/property or rescue and relief operations)

FAA references

  1. AIM 3-4-1 (General) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  2. PHAK ch. 15 (p. 15-6) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
  3. AIM 3-5-7 (Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) and Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  4. AIM 3-5-3 (Temporary Flight Restrictions) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  5. 14 CFR 91.133 (Restricted and prohibited areas.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  6. AIM 3-4-7 (Controlled Firing Areas) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  7. AIM 3-5-1 (Airport Advisory/Information Services) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  8. AIM 3-5-2 (Military Training Routes) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  9. AIM 3-5-4 (Parachute Jump Aircraft Operations) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  10. AIM 3-5-5 (Published VFR Routes) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  11. AIM 3-5-6 (Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  12. 14 CFR 91.141 (Flight restrictions in the proximity of the Presidential and other parties.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  13. 14 CFR 91.143 (Flight limitation in the proximity of space flight operations.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  14. 14 CFR 91.137 (Temporary flight restrictions in the vicinity of disaster/hazard areas.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  15. 14 CFR 91.145 (Management of aircraft operations in the vicinity of aerial demonstrations and major sporting events.) — eCFR current as of 2026-03-05
  16. AIM 3-4-3 (Restricted Areas) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
  17. AIM 3-4-2 (Prohibited Areas) — AIM Basic 2/20/25 w/ Change 1 (8/7/25) & Change 2 (1/22/26)
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  • Full teaching sections: What special use airspace is; Other airspace areas; The rules (14 CFR 91.137-91.145); What a TFR is; Why and where they are issued
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  • Common mistakes paired with the FAA facts that correct them
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