Controlled Firing Areas

AIM ¶ 3-4-7 — Controlled Firing Areas

AIM 3-4-7 explains Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs): hazardous activities suspended when aircraft approach. Why CFAs aren't charted. Study guide for pilots.

In Plain English

Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs) are a type of special use airspace where activities take place that would be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft if uncontrolled. What sets CFAs apart from other special use airspace (like Restricted or Warning Areas) is the active monitoring built into their operation.

CFAs use one or more of the following to detect approaching aircraft:

Spotter aircraft
Radar
Ground lookout positions

The moment any of these detects an aircraft that might enter the area, all hazardous activity is immediately suspended. Because of this safeguard, a nonparticipating aircraft never has to alter its flight path to avoid a CFA.

That is also the reason CFAs are not depicted on aeronautical charts — pilots don't need to see them, plan around them, or request clearance through them. Operationally, you may fly through the airspace overlying a CFA without knowing it exists, and the people running the CFA are responsible for keeping you safe by halting their activity.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 3-4-7

3-4-7. 3-4-7. Controlled Firing Areas CFAs contain activities which, if not conducted in a controlled environment, could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The distinguishing feature of the CFA, as compared to other special use airspace, is that its activities are suspended immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate an aircraft might be approaching the area. There is no need to chart CFAs since they do not cause a nonparticipating aircraft to change its flight path.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is a Controlled Firing Area (CFA)?

Per AIM 3-4-7, a CFA is special use airspace containing activities that could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft if not conducted in a controlled environment.

Q2Why aren't Controlled Firing Areas shown on aeronautical charts?

Per AIM 3-4-7, CFAs are not charted because their activities are suspended immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookouts detect an approaching aircraft, so a nonparticipating aircraft is never required to change its flight path.

Q3How does a CFA differ from other types of special use airspace?

Per AIM 3-4-7, the distinguishing feature of a CFA is that its activities are suspended immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate an aircraft might be approaching the area.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 3

Military Operations Areas

¶ 3-4-6