Special use airspace is an area designated for operations of a nature such that limitations may be imposed on aircraft not participating in those operations. Often these operations are of a military nature. The designation of SUAs identifies for other users the areas where such activity occurs, provides for segregation of that activity from other users, and allows charting to keep airspace users informed of potential hazards. SUA's are usually depicted on aeronautical chart

Aeronautical chart

An aeronautical chart is a map designed to assist in navigation of aircraft, much as nautical charts do for watercraft, or a roadmap for drivers...

s.

Special use airspace includes: Restricted airspace

Restricted airspace

Restricted airspace is an area of airspace in which the local controlling authorities have determined that air traffic must be restricted for safety or security concerns...

, Prohibited airspace

Prohibited airspace

Prohibited airspace refers to an area of airspace within which flight of aircraft is not allowed, usually due to security concerns. It is one of many types of special use airspace designations and is depicted on aeronautical charts with the letter "P" followed by a serial number...

, Military Operations Area

Military Operations Area

A military operations area is "airspace established outside Class A airspace to separate or segregate certain nonhazardous military activities from IFR Traffic and to identify for VFR traffic where these activities are conducted." Similar structures exist under international flight standards. ...

s (MOA), Warning areas, Alert Areas, Danger areas, Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR), and Controlled Firing Areas. In alert areas all aircraft must be controlled by ATC

Air traffic control

Air traffic control is a service provided by ground-based controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and in the air. The primary purpose of ATC systems worldwide is to separate aircraft to prevent collisions, to organize and expedite the flow of traffic, and to provide information and other...

individually. Restricted and prohibited areas are forbidden to fly except emergency situations. Danger areas have environmental dangers and they're not restricted but they're not used in Flight Plans.