We set aside airspace for certain activities that could affect other aircraft and call it special use airspace.
It keeps airspace users safe by separating aircraft from higher-risk or specialised operations.
Types of special use airspace
Special use airspace includes:
- prohibited areas – where we don’t permit aircraft to enter
- restricted areas – where we limit or control access
- military operating areas (MOAs) – where military conduct operations and training
- danger areas – where activities may pose a hazard to aircraft.
These areas can include activities such as:
- military exercises and operations
- drone testing and advanced aviation trials
- flight training or specialised aviation operations
- model aircraft or rocket activities.
The type of airspace used depends on the level of risk and the need to keep that activity separate from other air traffic.
Military operating areas
Military operating areas are a type of special use airspace used for military training and exercises.
These areas may involve higher-risk activities, so we control access to help keep other airspace users safe.
What pilots need to do
Australian aircraft
You must request approval from the administering authority listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) before entering an MOA. Conditions of entry may apply.
Foreign registered aircraft
You should follow MOA requirements as if you were an Australian aircraft. You can fly through a MOA outside Australian territory without approval, but you need a new clearance to re-enter controlled airspace.
Airservices Australia cannot provide air traffic services if you fly through a MOA outside Australian territory without approval.
Within Australian territory, you must request approval from the administering authority listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) before entering an MOA. Conditions of entry may apply.
Drone and model aircraft operators
You must request approval from the administering authority listed in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) before operating an MOA. Conditions of entry may apply.
We recommend you check the advisory message in a CASA-verified drone safety app.
Our role
We establish special use airspace as part of managing Australian-administered airspace.
This includes:
- defining the location and boundaries of the airspace
- setting the classification and conditions of use
- assessing proposals through the Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) process.
Airspace changes can be temporary or permanent, depending on the activity.
The person or organisation that proposes the change (the proponent) becomes the controlling authority for that airspace.
How to find airspace information
Once established, you can find special use airspace details in official aviation information.
This includes:
- the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) in the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP)
- aeronautical charts in the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP)
- NOTAMs.
Pilots should check these sources before flight to identify any restrictions or areas that may affect their operation.
Changes to special use airspace
We create and change special use airspace through the Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) process, which explains how to propose or view changes to airspace.