IR.I.C.K1bFAA-S-ACS-8C · Nov 2023Knowledge
b. Special use airspace
Route planning, including consideration of: b. Special use airspace
Bottom line
Special use airspace 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. In the United States, all direct routes should be planned to avoid prohibited or restricted airspace by at least 3 NM. If a bend in a direct route is required to avoid special use airspace, the turning point needs to be part of the flight plan.
Key numbers
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| at least 3 NM from prohibited or restricted airspace, for all direct routes in the United States | Direct route buffer |
FAA references
- IFH ch. 1 (p. 1-2) — FAA-H-8083-15B
- IPH ch. 2 (p. 2-28) — FAA-H-8083-16B
- PHAK ch. 15 (p. 15-3) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- PHAK ch. 2 (p. 2-9) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
- PHAK ch. 16 (p. 16-18) — FAA-H-8083-25C (2023)
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