Jessica Core wrote:

Why would you suspect that? If "taking snapshops" was to be avoided, the
airspace would be prohibited, although you'd have to prohibit awfully darn high to
be meaningful in an age with quality telephoto lenses and even satellite
photography. Restricted areas many times are areas where there is a lot of
military training activity and/or parachuting, mortar firing, etc. (MOAs have
activity too but are not restricted). If the danger is not present at the moment,
("not hot") you can often get approval to fly through.

If the area is restricted and hot ATC will not issue a clearance. Go to
http://hal9000.inetstrat.com/airspace/SpecialUse.htm for special use
airspace. Website also provides the AIM chapters as appropriate.

The restricted airspace I have encountered was a military installation.
I'd suspect that the military may not want planes loitering overhead
when there may be sensitive operations on the ground that may be
subjected to photographs.

Because it lies between Point A & Point B where you are trying to travel?

Most of these restricted areas "may" take you a couple of miles out of
your way. Plan far enough ahead, and maybe a change of 10 degrees in
your heading before getting to the restricted airspace will circumvent
the area and then after passing, adjust the other direction. Really not
that hard to do. Situational awareness is the key.

Allen