Restricted area

A prohibited airspace (Engl. Prohibited area ) is a fixed air space over the territory of a State in which flights of aircraft are prohibited.

Airspaces in which flights are only subject to certain restrictions temporarily or permanently, on the other hand, are referred to as restricted flight areas. There are also danger areas in which warnings are issued about particular dangers for air traffic, but the flight through is not restricted.

Basics

The P-40 air exclusion area over Camp David on an American aeronautical map

Air exclusion areas have defined vertical and horizontal dimensions. They can be active continuously or only on certain days and at fixed times or only after prior notification via NOTAM . The vertical expansion can also be varied in individual cases using NOTAM. Air restrictions are published in the Aviation Handbook and are graphically displayed on aeronautical maps (especially ICAO maps ). These areas are identified by the ICAO country code and the letter "P" (for prohibited ) and an ordinal number. For example, LI-P243 stands for the Italian air exclusion zone Roma (Città del Vaticano) .

Situation in Germany

The German air traffic law allows air restrictions. In Germany, flying into an air restricted area is punishable by a fine or imprisonment for up to two years.