SATR and SFRA

AIM ¶ 3-5-7 — SATR and SFRA

AIM 3-5-7 explains Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) and Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRA) under 14 CFR Part 93 — boundaries, charts, and pilot requirements.

In Plain English

AIM 3-5-7 introduces two related concepts: Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) and Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRA). Both are established under 14 CFR Part 93, which prescribes unique procedures for certain pieces of airspace in the National Airspace System.

Key points to know:

SFRA is airspace of defined dimensions over land or territorial waters where flight is subject to the rules in 14 CFR Part 93, unless ATC authorizes otherwise.
Not every area listed in Part 93 is an SFRA, but special air traffic rules still apply to every area described in Part 93.
Pilot responsibility: Anyone operating to, from, or within a SATR area or SFRA must comply with the applicable Part 93 rules unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC.
Charting: SFRAs are depicted on VFR sectional, terminal area, and helicopter route charts.
Procedures vary widely between areas based on traffic density, configuration, and operational nature, so review each area individually.

Operationally, this means before flying near any Part 93 area (such as the DC SFRA), you must research the specific rules, training requirements, and ATC procedures unique to that airspace. Additional guidance is available at faasafety.gov.

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AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 3-5-7

Background. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) prescribes special air traffic rules for aircraft operating within the boundaries of certain designated airspace. These areas are listed in 14 CFR part 93 and can be found throughout the NAS. Procedures, nature of operations, configuration, size, and density of traffic vary among the identified areas. SFRAs. Airspace of defined dimensions, above land areas or territorial waters, within which the flight of aircraft is subject to the rules set forth in 14 CFR part 93, unless otherwise authorized by air traffic control. Not all areas listed in 14 CFR part 93 are designated SFRA, but special air traffic rules apply to all areas described in 14 CFR part 93. Participation. 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. Charts. SFRAs are depicted on VFR sectional, terminal area, and helicopter route charts. (See FIG 3-5-5 .) FIG 3-5-5 SFRA Boundary Additional information and resources regarding SFRA, including procedures for flight in individual areas, may be found on the FAA Safety website at http://www.faasafety.gov

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is the difference between a Special Air Traffic Rules (SATR) area and a Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)?

Per AIM 3-5-7, both are established under 14 CFR Part 93. An SFRA is airspace of defined dimensions over land or territorial waters where flight is subject to Part 93 rules. Not all Part 93 areas are designated SFRAs, but special air traffic rules apply to all areas described in Part 93.

Q2What are a pilot's responsibilities when operating to, from, or within an SATR area or SFRA?

Per AIM 3-5-7, each person operating to, from, or within airspace designated as an 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.

Q3How are SFRAs depicted on aeronautical charts?

Per AIM 3-5-7, SFRAs are depicted on VFR sectional charts, terminal area charts, and helicopter route charts.

Related Paragraphs in Chapter 3

¶ 3-5-1

Airport Advisory Services

¶ 3-5-10

Non-Charted Airspace Areas

¶ 3-5-2

Military Training Routes

¶ 3-5-3

Temporary Flight Restrictions

¶ 3-5-4