FAR 73.17 — Controlling Agency
FAR 73.17 defines the controlling agency for restricted areas — the FAA facility that may authorize transit or flight within a restricted area.
In Plain English
FAR 73.17 defines what is meant by the controlling agency for a restricted area. In plain terms, the controlling agency is the FAA facility that has the authority to approve transit through or flight within a restricted area. This authority comes from a joint-use letter issued under FAR 73.15, which is the agreement that allows non-using aircraft to enter a restricted area when the using agency isn't actively conducting operations.
Why this matters operationally:
- If you want to fly through a restricted area that is shown as "joint-use," you must contact the controlling agency (typically an ARTCC or approach control facility) for clearance.
- The using agency (often the military) is who actually conducts activities in the area, but the controlling agency is who you talk to about getting in.
- Restricted area information, including the controlling agency, is published on sectional charts and in the Chart Supplement.
- Entering a restricted area without authorization from the controlling agency is a violation and can be hazardous due to the activities conducted there.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 73.17§ 73.17 Controlling agency.
For the purposes of this part, the controlling agency is the FAA facility that may authorize transit through or flight within a restricted area in accordance with a joint-use letter issued under § 73.15.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What is the controlling agency for a restricted area, and what is its role?
Per FAR 73.17, the controlling agency is the FAA facility that may authorize transit through or flight within a restricted area, in accordance with a joint-use letter issued under FAR 73.15.
Q2If you wanted to fly through a joint-use restricted area, who would you contact for permission?
You would contact the controlling agency, which under FAR 73.17 is the FAA facility authorized to permit entry — typically an ARTCC or approach control identified on the chart.
Q3Where does the controlling agency get its authority to authorize flight in a restricted area?
FAR 73.17 states that the controlling agency derives its authority from a joint-use letter issued under FAR 73.15, which establishes the conditions under which the FAA may approve access.
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Related Sections in Part 73