What defines a "Prohibited Area" in airspace?

A "Prohibited Area" is defined as airspace where flight is prohibited for security reasons. These areas are established to protect sensitive locations or operations, such as military installations or critical infrastructure, from potential threats. Pilots must avoid these areas entirely, as unauthorized entry can pose significant risks to national security or safety.

The designation of these zones is critical to maintaining controlled airspace and ensuring that certain sensitive locations remain secure. Compliance with Prohibited Areas is essential for all pilots, and information about their existence and boundaries is typically included in aeronautical charts and notices.

In contrast, other types of airspace do not impose such strict restrictions; for example, some airspaces allow for scenic tours or are characterized by minimal air traffic, but this is not applicable to Prohibited Areas, which carry a mandatory prohibition against any flight activity for those not authorized to enter.