Controlling Agency

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.

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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.

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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