Special Use Airspace

FAR 73.3 — Special Use Airspace

FAR 73.3 explains special use airspace: how its vertical and horizontal limits are defined, what activities it confines, and when designations are in effect.

In Plain English

FAR 73.3 lays out what special use airspace (SUA) actually is and how it's described on charts and in the regulations. It's airspace with defined dimensions where either certain activities must be contained, or where outside aircraft face restrictions, or both.

Key points to remember:

What it is: Airspace identified by a surface area where activities (like military training, hazardous operations) are confined, or where non-participating aircraft are limited.
Vertical limits: Defined by a floor and ceiling, given as flight levels or feet MSL. The word "to" means "to and including" that altitude — so "5,000 to 8,000" includes 8,000.
Horizontal limits: Defined by geographic coordinates or other clear references that mark the perimeter.
Time of effect: Each SUA designation states the time period it's active.

Why this matters operationally: as a pilot, you need to know exactly where SUA begins and ends — laterally, vertically, and in time — so you can avoid restricted, prohibited, warning, MOA, or alert areas, or coordinate transit when required.

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Regulation Text

14 CFR § 73.3

§ 73.3 Special use airspace. (a) Special use airspace consists of airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth wherein activities must be confined because of their nature, or wherein limitations are imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities, or both. (b) The vertical limits of special use airspace are measured by designated altitude floors and ceilings expressed as flight levels or as feet above mean sea level. Unless otherwise specified, the word “to” (an altitude or flight level) means “to and including” (that altitude or flight level). (c) The horizontal limits of special use airspace are measured by boundaries described by geographic coordinates or other appropriate references that clearly define their perimeter. (d) The period of time during which a designation of special use airspace is in effect is stated in the designation.

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Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What is special use airspace, and why does it exist?

Per FAR 73.3, special use airspace is airspace of defined dimensions where activities must be confined due to their nature, or where limitations are imposed on aircraft not part of those activities — or both.

Q2How are the vertical limits of special use airspace expressed, and what does the word 'to' mean in an altitude range?

Under FAR 73.3, vertical limits are given as floors and ceilings in flight levels or feet MSL, and 'to' an altitude means 'to and including' that altitude unless otherwise specified.

Q3How are the horizontal boundaries and effective times of special use airspace determined?

FAR 73.3 states the horizontal limits are described by geographic coordinates or other appropriate references that clearly define the perimeter, and the period of time the SUA is in effect is stated in the designation itself.

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Related Sections in Part 73