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Prohibited Areas

AIM ¶ 3-4-2 — Prohibited Areas

AIM 3-4-2: Prohibited Areas explained for pilot students. Learn what they are, why they exist, and how they're charted. Oral exam prep included.

In Plain English

Prohibited Areas are blocks of airspace with defined dimensions where aircraft flight is not allowed. They exist for reasons tied to national security or the national welfare — think places like the airspace over the White House (P-56) or Camp David (P-40).

Key points to know:

  • Defined dimensions: Each prohibited area has specific lateral boundaries and vertical limits.
  • Purpose: Security or other reasons associated with national welfare.
  • Where to find them:
    • Published in the Federal Register
    • Depicted on aeronautical charts (look for the blue hashed boundary with a "P-" designator, e.g., P-56)

Operationally, this matters because entry is prohibited — there is no ATC clearance that gets a typical civilian pilot inside one. Violations can result in interception by military aircraft, certificate action, or worse. Always check your sectional during preflight planning to make sure your route does not penetrate a Prohibited Area, and stay alert when flying near Washington, D.C., presidential retreats, or other sensitive sites where these areas are commonly established.

AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 3-4-2
3-4-2. 3-4-2. Prohibited Areas Prohibited areas contain airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. Such areas are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare. These areas are published in the Federal Register and are depicted on aeronautical charts.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is a Prohibited Area and why is it established?
Per AIM 3-4-2, a Prohibited Area is airspace of defined dimensions, identified by an area on the surface of the earth, within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. These areas are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare.
Q2Where can a pilot find information about Prohibited Areas?
Per AIM 3-4-2, Prohibited Areas are published in the Federal Register and are depicted on aeronautical charts, so pilots should review their sectional or other appropriate chart during preflight planning.
Q3Can a pilot fly through a Prohibited Area with ATC clearance?
Per AIM 3-4-2, the flight of aircraft within a Prohibited Area is prohibited. The paragraph does not provide for routine ATC clearance through these areas — they are established for security or national welfare reasons and must be avoided.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 3
3-4-1
Special Use Airspace
3-4-3
Restricted Areas
3-4-4
Warning Areas
3-4-5
Military Operations Areas
3-4-6
Alert Areas
3-4-7
Controlled Firing Areas
3-4-8
National Security Areas
3-4-9
Special Use Airspace Status
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AIM 3-4-2 — Prohibited Areas