What does a "P" followed by a number represent on an aeronautical chart?

On an aeronautical chart, a "P" followed by a number signifies a Prohibited Area. Prohibited Areas are designated airspace where flight is not allowed, either for safety reasons or to protect sensitive sites, such as national defense installations or certain critical infrastructures. The number accompanying the "P" helps to uniquely identify each prohibited area, allowing pilots to easily reference and comply with airspace restrictions.

Understanding Prohibited Areas is crucial for pilots, as entering these zones without proper clearance can lead to serious legal ramifications and safety concerns. The presence of this notation alerts pilots to the necessity of avoiding these zones to ensure safe navigation and adherence to aviation regulations.

Other options such as Paved Runway, Protected Environment, and Permanent Airspace do not accurately describe what the "P" designation indicates on an aeronautical chart and do not carry the same regulatory implications.