Restricted Area Using Agency

FAR 73.15 — Restricted Area Using Agency

FAR 73.15 explains the using agency's role in restricted airspace: scheduling activities, authorizing transit, and containing operations within the area.

In Plain English

FAR 73.15 defines the using agency for a restricted area and lays out its responsibilities. The using agency is the organization, agency, or military command whose activities made it necessary to designate the restricted area in the first place — for example, a military range running live-fire exercises.

When the FAA asks, the using agency must sign a letter of agreement with the controlling agency (typically an ATC facility) establishing joint-use procedures. Under that letter, the using agency tells the controlling agency when it's safe for ATC to clear aircraft through the restricted area.

The using agency must:

Schedule activities within the restricted area
Authorize transit through or flight within the area when feasible
Contain all activities inside the restricted area, consistent with the purpose for which it was designated

Why it matters: as a pilot, knowing the difference between the using and controlling agency tells you who actually controls access. When a restricted area is cold (not active), ATC — the controlling agency — can clear you through because the using agency has released it.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 73.15

§ 73.15 Using agency. (a) For the purposes of this subpart, the following are using agencies; (1) The agency, organization, or military command whose activity within a restricted area necessitated the area being so designated. (b) Upon the request of the FAA, the using agency shall execute a letter establishing procedures for joint use of a restricted area by the using agency and the controlling agency, under which the using agency would notify the controlling agency whenever the controlling agency may grant permission for transit through the restricted area in accordance with the terms of the letter. (c) The using agency shall— (1) Schedule activities within the restricted area; (2) Authorize transit through, or flight within, the restricted area as feasible; and (3) Contain within the restricted area all activities conducted therein in accordance with the purpose for which it was designated.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Who is the 'using agency' for a restricted area, and what are their main responsibilities?

Per FAR 73.15, the using agency is the agency, organization, or military command whose activity required the restricted area to be designated. They schedule activities in the area, authorize transit when feasible, and contain all activities within the area consistent with its purpose.

Q2What's the difference between the using agency and the controlling agency for a restricted area?

Under FAR 73.15, the using agency conducts the activities that necessitated the restricted area and decides when transit can be permitted, while the controlling agency (ATC) is the entity authorized — through a joint-use letter — to grant pilots permission to transit.

Q3How does a pilot get cleared through an active-looking restricted area?

FAR 73.15(b) requires the using agency to notify the controlling agency when it may grant transit permission under the joint-use letter, so a pilot requests clearance from the controlling agency (ATC), which can approve transit only when the using agency has released the airspace.

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Related Sections in Part 73