SUA File – What is .sua file and how to open it?

Definition of SUA File

A Special Use Airspace (SUA) file is a type of aeronautical data file that contains information about designated airspace for special purposes, such as military training areas, restricted flight zones, or areas used for hazardous activities like skydiving or rocket launches. SUA files are used by flight planning software, aviation databases, and navigation systems to provide pilots with accurate and up-to-date information about these restricted airspace areas.

Structure and Content of SUA Files

SUA files typically adhere to the Special Use Airspace Dataset (SUA DS) specification, which defines the data structure and content of these files. They contain detailed information about each SUA, including its geographical boundaries, altitude limits, active times, and associated regulations. This information allows pilots to identify and avoid flying into restricted airspace, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic management. Additionally, SUA files may include supplementary data such as contact information for airspace managers, special procedures, or temporary flight restrictions.

Opening SUA Files with Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a widely available spreadsheet application that can be used to open and view SUA files. To open an SUA file in Excel, follow these steps:

1. Launch Microsoft Excel.
2. Click the “File” menu and select “Open.”
3. In the “Open” dialog box, navigate to the location of the SUA file.
4. Select the SUA file and click “Open.”

Excel will load the SUA file as a spreadsheet. The data in the file will be displayed in rows and columns. You can use the standard Excel tools to view, edit, and analyze the data.

Using SUA Read Viewer for Specialized Analysis

SUA Read Viewer is a freeware application specifically designed for reading and analyzing SUA files. It offers a number of features that are not available in Excel, including:

• The ability to view SUA files in a graphical format
• The ability to filter and search the data in SUA files
• The ability to export the data in SUA files to other formats

To use SUA Read Viewer to open an SUA file, follow these steps:

1. Download and install SUA Read Viewer from https://www.navfltsm.addr.com/suafrm.htm.
2. Launch SUA Read Viewer.
3. Click the “File” menu and select “Open.”
4. In the “Open” dialog box, navigate to the location of the SUA file.
5. Select the SUA file and click “Open.”

SUA Read Viewer will load the SUA file and display it in a graphical format. You can use the tools provided in the application to view, filter, search, and analyze the data.

Special Use Airspace (SUA) Files

Special Use Airspace (SUA) files are a type of airspace file used in aviation to define areas of airspace that are designated for specific purposes, such as military operations, air traffic control, or national security. SUAs are typically established by government agencies and contain information about the boundaries of the airspace, the times it is in effect, and any restrictions or procedures that apply within the airspace.

SUA files are typically created using specialized software and are often used in conjunction with other airspace files, such as terminal area charts (TACs) and en route charts. They are an important tool for pilots and air traffic controllers, as they provide information about the airspace environment and help ensure safe and efficient air traffic operations. SUA files can also be used for planning and research purposes, such as studying the impact of proposed airspace changes or analyzing airspace utilization patterns.

Other Extensions