Air Traffic Control Entities

MOA vs Restricted Areas

There are different restricted military operating areas that also affect civilian aircraft.  Military typically use military operating areas (MOA) and restricted areas that are prefaced with an "R".  If we first take a look at MOAs, these are typically surface up to a specified altitude.  For example, if you take a look at the ForeFlight chart above you'll see Eglin A West, Eglin A East, Eglin B, and Eglin C.  When we perform aerial refueling operations, the MOA may be active from surface to 18,000 AGL meaning that commercial may fly over the active MOA as long as they are above 18,000 AGL.  

On the other hand, there are restricted areas. On the chart above you can see R-2915A and R-2914A which is restricted from the surface to an unlimited altitude.  These areas are used a lot by the AC-130J Gunships when shooting.  When the restricted area is active, IFR aircraft may transit through this area when given specific instructions from the controlling agency.  Once the operations requiring the restricted airspace have been completed then the airspace can be turned back over to the FAA and transiting aircraft may fly through it using normal IFR routes. 

Military operations can create a lot of confusion when operating near designated training areas.  Pilots need to have a thorough understanding of these restrictions in order to keep their passengers safe.  

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak/media/17_phak_ch15.pdf