*5E XC Planning - Airspace

Question 0

1. Class A airspace?

AIM 3-2-2

Answer 0

Generally 18,000’ MSL - including FL600
including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 nm of the coast of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska;
and designated international airspace beyond 12 nm of the coast of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska within areas of domestic radio navigational signal or ATC radar coverage, and within which domestic procedures are applied.

Question 1

2. is VFR allowed in Class A?

14 CFR 91.135

Answer 1

No

unless otherwise authorized by ATC must operate under IFR

Question 2

3. What is the minimum pilot certification for operations conducted within Class A airspace?
   (14 CFR 91.135)

Answer 2

At least PPL with an instrument rating

Question 3

4. equipment required for flight in Class A?

14 CFR 91.135

Answer 3

a. two-way radio
b. Mode C altitude encoding transponder.
c. Equipped with instruments and equipment required for IFR operations.

Question 4

5. How is Class A airspace depicted on navigational charts?

AIM 3-2-2

Answer 4

Class A airspace is not specifically charted.

Question 5

6. What is the definition of Class B airspace?

AIM 3-2-3

Answer 5

Generally, that airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the nation’s busiest airports in terms of IFR operations or passenger enplanements. The configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually tailored and consists of a surface area and two or more layers (some Class B airspace areas resemble upside down wedding cakes), and is designated to contain all published instrument procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace.

Question 6

7. What minimum pilot certification is required to operate an aircraft within Class B airspace?
   (14 CFR 91.131)

Answer 6

No person may take off or land a civil aircraft at an airport within a Class B airspace area or operate a civil aircraft within a Class B airspace area unless:
a. The pilot-in-command holds at least a private pilot certificate;
b. The pilot-in-command holds a recreational pilot certificate and has met the requirements of 14 CFR §61.101; or for a student pilot seeking a recreational pilot certificate met the requirements of 14 CFR §61.94.
c. The pilot-in-command holds a sport pilot certificate and has met the requirements of 14 CFR §61.325; or the requirements for a student pilot seeking a recreational pilot certificate in 14 CFR §61.94.
d. The aircraft is operated by a student pilot who has met the requirements of 14 CFR §61.94 or §61.95 of this chapter, as applicable.
Certain Class B airspace areas do not allow pilot operations to be conducted to or from the primary airport, unless the pilot-in-command holds at least a private pilot certificate (example: Dallas/Fort Worth International).

Question 7

8. What is the minimum equipment required for operations of an aircraft within Class B airspace?
   (14 CFR 91.131)

Answer 7

a. An operable two-way radio capable of communications with ATC on the appropriate frequencies for that area.
b. A Mode C altitude encoding transponder.
c. If IFR, an operable VOR or TACAN receiver or an operable and suitable RNAV system.

Question 8

9. Before operating an aircraft into Class B airspace, what basic requirement must be met?
   (14 CFR 91.131)

Answer 8

Arriving aircraft must obtain an ATC clearance from the ATC facility having jurisdiction for that area prior to operating an aircraft in that area.

Question 9

10. What minimum weather conditions are required when conducting VFR flight operations within Class B airspace?
    (14 CFR 91.155)

Answer 9

VFR flight operations must be conducted clear of clouds with at least 3 statute miles flight visibility.

Question 10

11. How is Class B airspace depicted on navigational charts?
    (AIM 3-2-3)

Answer 10

Class B airspace is charted on Sectional Charts, IFR En Route Low Altitude, and Terminal Area Charts. A solid shaded blue line depicts the lateral limits of Class B airspace. Numbers indicate the base and top, i.e. 100/25, 100/SFC.

Question 11

12. What basic ATC services are provided to all aircraft operating within Class B airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-3)

Answer 11

VFR pilots will be provided sequencing and separation from other aircraft while operating within Class B airspace.

Question 12

13. It becomes apparent that wake turbulence may be encountered while ATC is providing sequencing and separation services in Class B airspace. Whose responsibility is it to avoid this turbulence?
    (AIM 3-2-3)

Answer 12

The pilot-in-command is responsible. The services provided by ATC do not relieve pilots of their responsibilities to see and avoid other traffic operating in basic VFR weather conditions, to adjust their operations and flight path as necessary to preclude serious wake turbulence encounters, to maintain appropriate terrain and obstruction clearance, or to remain in weather conditions equal to or better than the minimums required by 14 CFR §91.155.

Question 13

14. What is the maximum speed allowed when operating inside Class B airspace, under 10,000 feet and within a Class D surface area?
    (14 CFR 91.117)

Answer 13

Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C or Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots. This restriction does not apply to operations conducted within a Class B airspace area. Such operations shall comply with the “below 10,000 feet MSL” restriction: “No person shall operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL, at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots.

Question 14

15. When operating beneath the lateral limits of Class B airspace, or in a VFR corridor designated through Class B airspace, what maximum speed is authorized? (14 CFR 91.117)

Answer 14

No person may operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a Class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 MPH).

Question 15

16. What is Class C airspace? (

AIM 3-2-4)

Answer 15

Generally, that airspace from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and that have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger enplanements.

Question 16

17. What are the basic dimensions of Class C airspace?

AIM 3-2-4

Answer 16

Although the configuration of each Class C airspace area is individually tailored, the airspace usually consists of a 5 NM radius core surface area that extends from the surface up to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation, and a 10 NM radius shelf area that extends from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation. The outer area radius will be 20 NM, with some variations based on site specific requirements. The outer area extends outward from the primary airport and extends from the lower limits of radar/radio coverage up to the ceiling of the approach controls airspace.

Question 17

18. What minimum pilot certification is required to operate an aircraft within Class C airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-4)

Answer 17

A student pilot certificate.

Question 18

19. What minimum equipment is required to operate an aircraft within Class C airspace?
    (14 CFR 91.130, 91.215)

Answer 18

Unless otherwise authorized by the ATC having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area, no person may operate an aircraft within a Class C airspace area designated for an airport unless that aircraft is equipped with the following:

a. A two-way radio.
b. Automatic pressure altitude reporting equipment with Mode C capability.

Question 19

20. When operating an aircraft through Class C airspace or to an airport within Class C airspace, what basic requirement must be met?
    (14 CFR 91.130)

Answer 19

Each person must establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facilities providing air traffic services prior to entering that airspace and thereafter maintain those communications while within that airspace.

Question 20

21. Two-way radio communications must be established prior to entering Class C airspace. Define what is meant by “established” in this context.
    (AIM 3-2-4)

Answer 20

If a controller responds to a radio call with, “(aircraft call sign) standby,” radio communications have been established. It is important to understand that if the controller responds to the initial radio call without using the aircraft identification, radio communications have not been established and the pilot may not enter the Class C airspace.

Question 21

22. When departing a satellite airport without an operative control tower located within Class C airspace, what requirement must be met?
    (14 CFR 91.130)

Answer 21

Each person must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facilities having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area as soon as practicable after departing.

Question 22

23. What minimum weather conditions are required when conducting VFR flight operations within Class C airspace?
    (14 CFR 91.155)

Answer 22

VFR flight operations within Class C airspace require 3 statute miles flight visibility and cloud clearances of at least 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above and 2,000 feet horizontal to clouds.

Question 23

24. How is Class C airspace depicted on navigational charts?
    (AIM 3-2-4)

Answer 23

A solid magenta line is used to depict Class C airspace. Class C airspace is charted on Sectional Charts, IFR En Route Low Altitude, and Terminal Area Charts where appropriate.

Question 24

25. What type of Air Traffic Control services are provided when operating within Class C airspace? (
    (AIM 3-2-4)

Answer 24

When two-way radio communications and radar contact are established, all participating VFR aircraft are:

a. Sequenced to the primary airport.
b. Provided Class C services within the Class C airspace and the outer area.
c. Provided basic radar services beyond the outer area on a workload permitting basis. This can be terminated by the controller if workload dictates.

Question 25

26. Describe the various types of terminal radar services available for VFR aircraft.
    (AIM 4-1-18)

Answer 25

Basic radar service—Safety alerts, traffic advisories, limited radar vectoring (on a workload-permitting basis) and sequencing at locations where procedures have been established for this purpose and/or when covered by a letter of agreement.
TRSA service—radar sequencing and separation service for VFR aircraft in a TRSA.
Class C service—This service provides, in addition to basic radar service, approved separation between IFR and VFR aircraft, and sequencing of VFR arrivals to the primary airport.
Class B service—Provides, in addition to basic radar service, approved separation of aircraft based on IFR, VFR, and/or weight, and sequencing of VFR arrivals to the primary airport(s).

Question 26

27. Where is Mode C altitude encoding transponder equipment required?
    (AIM 4-1-20)

Answer 26

a. At or above 10,000 feet MSL over the 48 contiguous states or the District of Columbia, excluding that airspace below 2,500 feet AGL.
b. Within 30 miles of a Class B airspace primary airport, below 10,000 feet MSL
c. Within and above all Class C airspace, up to 10,000 feet MSL;
d. Within 10 miles of certain designated airports, excluding that airspace which is both outside the Class D surface area and below 1,200 feet AGL.
e. All aircraft flying into, within, or across the contiguous U.S. ADIZ.
Note: Civil and military transponders should be turned to the “on” or normal altitude reporting position prior to moving on the airport surface to ensure the aircraft is visible to ATC surveillance systems.

Question 27

28. What is the maximum speed an aircraft may be operated within Class C airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-4)

Answer 27

Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C airspace area at an indicated speed of more than 200 knots (230 MPH).

Question 28

29. What is Class D airspace?

AIM 3-2-5

Answer 28

Generally, that airspace from the surface to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower. The configuration of each Class D airspace area is individually tailored and when instrument procedures are published, the airspace will normally be designed to contain those procedures.

Question 29

30. When operating an aircraft through Class D airspace or to an airport within Class D airspace, what requirement must be met?
    (14 CFR 91.129)

Answer 29

Each person must establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facilities providing air traffic services prior to entering that airspace and thereafter maintain those communications while within that airspace.

Question 30

31. When departing a satellite airport without an operative control tower located within Class D airspace, what requirement must be met?
    (14 CFR 91.129)

Answer 30

Each person must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the Class D airspace area as soon as practicable after departing.

Question 31

32. Is an ATC clearance required if flight operations are conducted through a Class D arrival extension area?
    (AIM 3-2-5, 3-2-6)

Answer 31

Arrival extensions for instrument approach procedures may be Class D or Class E airspace. As a general rule, if all extensions are 2 miles or less, they remain part of the Class D surface area (blue segmented line). However, if any one extension is greater than 2 miles, then all extensions become Class E. Class E airspace areas that serve as extensions (magenta segmented line) to Class B, Class C, and Class D surface areas, provide controlled airspace to contain standard instrument approach procedures without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating under VFR.

Question 32

33. What minimum weather conditions are required when conducting VFR flight operations within Class D airspace?
    (14 CFR 91.155)

Answer 32

VFR flight operations within Class D airspace require 3 statute miles flight visibility and cloud clearances of at least 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above and 2,000 feet horizontal to clouds.

Question 33

34. How is Class D airspace depicted on navigational charts?
    (AIM 3-2-5)

Answer 33

Class D airspace areas are depicted on Sectional and Terminal charts with blue segmented lines, and on IFR Enroute Lows with a boxed [D].

Question 34

35. What type of Air Traffic Control services are provided when operating within Class D airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-5, 5-5-8, and 5-5-10)

Answer 34

No separation services are provided to VFR aircraft. When meteorological conditions permit, regardless of the type of flight plan or whether or not under the control of a radar facility, the pilot is responsible to see and avoid other traffic, terrain or obstacles. A controller, on a workload permitting basis, will provide radar traffic information, safety alerts and traffic information for sequencing purposes.

Question 35

36. What is the maximum speed an aircraft may be operated within Class D airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-5)

Answer 35

Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 MPH).

Question 36

37. When a control tower, located at an airport within Class D airspace, ceases operation for the day, what happens to the lower limit of the controlled airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-5)

Answer 36

During the hours the tower is not in operation, Class E surface area rules, or a combination of Class E rules down to 700 feet AGL and Class G rules to the surface, will become applicable. Check the A/FD for specifics.

Question 37

38. Will all airports with an operating control tower always have Class D airspace surrounding them?
    (AIM 4-3-2)

Answer 37

No; some airports do not have the required weather reporting capability necessary for surface based controlled airspace. The controlled airspace over these airports normally begins at 700 feet or 1,200 feet AGL and can be determined from visual aeronautical charts.

Question 38

39. What is the definition of Class E (controlled) airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-6)

Answer 38

Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D, and it is controlled airspace, it is Class E airspace.

Question 39

40. State several examples of Class E airspace.

AIM 3-2-6

Answer 39

a. A surface area designated for an airport and configured to contain all instrument approaches.
b. An extension to a surface area—There are Class E airspace areas that serve as extensions to Class B, Class C, and Class D surface areas designated for an airport. Such airspace provides controlled airspace to contain standard instrument approach procedures without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating under VFR.
c. Airspace used for transition—Class E airspace beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet AGL used to transition to/from the terminal enroute environment.
d. En route domestic areas—Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude and provide controlled airspace in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services but the Federal airway system is inadequate.
e. Federal airways—The federal airways are within Class E airspace areas and, unless otherwise specified, extend upward from 1,200 feet to, but not including 18,000 feet MSL. It includes the airspace within parallel boundary lines 4 miles each side of the centerline.
f. Offshore airspace areas—Class E airspace that “extend upward from a specified altitude to, but not including 18,000 feet MSL. These areas provide controlled airspace beyond 12 miles from the coast of the United States in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services.
g. Unless designated at a lower altitude—Class E airspace begins at 14,500 feet MSL to, but not including 18,000 feet MSL overlying the 48 contiguous states, including the waters within 12 miles from the coast of the 48 contiguous states; the District of Columbia; Alaska, including the waters within 12 miles from the coast of Alaska, and airspace above FL600, excluding specified areas in Alaska.

Question 40

41. What are the operating rules and pilot/equipment requirements to operate within Class E airspace?
    (AIM 3-2-6)

Answer 40

a. Minimum pilot certification—student pilot certificate.
b. No specific equipment requirements in Class E airspace.
c. No specific requirements for arrival or through flight in Class E airspace.

Question 41

42. What basic operational requirement must be met if flight operations are to be conducted into a Class E surface area located at a non-tower airport with a prescribed instrument approach?
    (AIM 3-2-6)

Answer 41

As long as the weather allows flight operations to be conducted under basic VFR minimums, a flight into or out of the Class E airspace may be made without an ATC clearance. However, if basic VFR minimums cannot be maintained an ATC clearance will be necessary for arrival or departure (Special VFR clearance).

Question 42

43. Are you required to establish communications with a tower located within Class E airspace?
    (14 CFR 91.127)

Answer 42

Yes; unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower unless two-way communications are maintained between that aircraft and the control tower. Communications must be established prior to 4 nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL.

Question 43

44. How is Class E airspace depicted on navigational charts?
    (AIM 3-2-6; USRGD)

Answer 43

Class E airspace below 14,500 feet MSL is charted on Sectional, Terminal, and IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts. The lateral and vertical limits of all Class E controlled airspace up to but not including 18,000 feet are shown by narrow bands of vignette on Sectional and Terminal Area charts. Controlled airspace floors of 700 feet AGL are defined by a magenta vignette; floors other than 700 feet that abut uncontrolled airspace are defined by a blue vignette; differing floors greater than 700 feet AGL are annotated by a symbol and a number indicating the floor. If the ceiling is less than 18,000 feet MSL, the value (prefixed by the word “ceiling”) is shown along the limits of the controlled airspace.

Question 44

45. How are Class E surface extension areas depicted on navigational charts?
    (USRGD)

Answer 44

Class E airspace areas that serve as extensions to Class B, Class C, and Class D airspace are depicted by a magenta segmented line.

Question 45

46. What is the definition of Class G airspace?

AIM 3-3-1

Answer 45

Class G or uncontrolled airspace is that portion of the airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E airspace.

Question 46

47. Are you required to establish communications with a tower located within Class G airspace?
    (14 CFR 91.126)

Answer 46

“Yes; unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower unless two-way communications are maintained between that aircraft and the control tower. Communications must be established prior to 4 nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 AGL.

Question 47

48. What are the vertical limits of Class G airspace?

FAA-H-8083-25

Answer 47

Class G airspace begins at the surface and continues up to the overlying controlled (Class E) airspace, not to exceed 14,500 feet MSL.

Question 48

49. What is the minimum cloud clearance and visibility required when conducting flight operations in a traffic pattern at night in Class G airspace below 1,200 feet AGL?
    (14 CFR 91.155)

Answer 48

When the visibility is less than 3 statute miles but not less than 1 statute mile during night hours, an airplane may be operated clear of clouds if operated in an airport traffic pattern within one-half mile of the runway.

Question 49

50. What is the main difference between Class G airspace and Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace?

Answer 49

The main difference which distinguishes Class G airspace from Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace is the flight visibility/cloud clearance requirements necessary to operate within it.

Question 50

51. What minimum flight visibility and clearance from clouds are required for VFR flight in the following situations?
    (14 CFR 91.155)

Answer 50

Class C, D, or E Airspace
Less than 10,000 feet MSL:
Visibility: 3 statute miles.
Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal.
At or above 10,000 feet MSL:
Visibility: 5 statute miles.
Cloud clearance: 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal.
Class G Airspace
1,200 feet or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude):
Day
Visibility: 1 statute mile.
Cloud clearance: clear of clouds
Night
Visibility: 3 statute miles
Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal.
More than 1,200 feet above the surface but less than 10,000 ft. MSL:
Day
Visibility: 1 statute mile
Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal.
Night
Visibility: 3 statute miles
Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal.
More than 1,200 feet above the surface and at or above 10,000 feet MSL:
Visibility: 5 statute miles
Cloud clearance: 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal.”

Question 51

52. What are the “basic” VFR weather minimums required for operation of an aircraft into Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace?
    (14 CFR 91.155)

Answer 51

1,000-foot ceiling and 3 miles visibility. Except as provided in 14 CFR §91.157 (special VFR), no person may:

a. Operate an aircraft beneath the ceiling under VFR within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet.
b. Take off or land an aircraft, or enter the traffic pattern of an airport, under VFR, within the lateral boundaries of the surface areas of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport unless ground visibility at that airport is at least 3 statute miles or, if ground visibility is not reported, unless flight visibility during landing or takeoff, or while operating in the traffic pattern is at least 3 statute miles.

Question 52

53. If VFR flight minimums cannot be maintained, can a VFR flight be made into Class B, C, D, or E airspace?
    (AIM 4-4-6)

Answer 52

No, with one exception. A “Special VFR clearance” may be obtained from the controlling authority prior to entering the Class B, C, D, or E airspace provided the flight can be made clear of clouds with at least one statute mile ground visibility if taking off or landing. If ground visibility is not reported at that airport, the flight visibility must be at least 1 statute mile.

Question 53

54. Are Special VFR clearances always available to pilots in all classes of airspace?
    (AIM 4-4-6)

Answer 53

A VFR pilot may request and be given a clearance to enter, leave, or operate within most Class D and Class E surface areas and some Class B and Class C surface areas traffic permitting and providing such flight will not delay IFR operations.
Note: Special VFR operations by fixed wing aircraft are prohibited in some Class B and Class C surface areas due to the volume of IFR traffic. A list of these Class B and Class C surface areas is contained in 14 CFR Part 91. They are also depicted on Sectional Aeronautical Charts.

Question 54

55. If it becomes apparent that a special VFR clearance will be necessary, what facility should the pilot contact in order to obtain one?
    (AIM 4-4-6)

Answer 54

When a control tower is located within a Class B, Class C, or Class D surface area, requests for clearances should be made to the tower. In a Class E surface area, a clearance may be obtained from the nearest tower, FSS, or center.

Question 55

56. Can a “Special VFR clearance” be obtained into or out of Class B, C, D, or E airspace at night? (AIM 4-4-6)

Answer 55

Special VFR operations by fixed-wing aircraft are prohibited between sunset and sunrise unless the pilot is instrument rated and the aircraft is equipped for IFR flight.

Question 56

57. What is a “Prohibited Area”?

AIM 3-4-2

Answer 56

Prohibited areas contain certain airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. Such areas are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare.

Question 57

58. What is a “Restricted Area”?

AIM 3-4-3

Answer 57

Restricted areas contain airspace identified by an area on the surface of the earth within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restrictions. These areas denote the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles. Penetration of restricted areas without authorization from the using or controlling agency may be extremely hazardous to the aircraft and its occupants.

Question 58

59. Under what conditions, if any, may pilots enter restricted or prohibited areas?
    (14 CFR 91.133)

Answer 58

No person may operate an aircraft within a restricted area contrary to the restrictions imposed, or within a prohibited area, unless that person has the permission of the using or controlling agency. Normally no operations are permitted within a prohibited area and prior permission must always be obtained before operating within a restricted area.

Question 59

60. What is a “Warning Area”?

AIM 3-4-4

Answer 59

A warning area is airspace of defined dimensions extending from three nautical miles outward from the coast of the United States, containing activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The purpose of such an area is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger. A warning area may be located over domestic or international waters, or both.

Question 60

61. What is a “MOA”?

AIM 3-4-5

Answer 60

A Military Operating Area (MOA) consists of airspace of defined vertical and lateral limits established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from IFR traffic. Pilots operating under VFR should exercise extreme caution while flying within an MOA when military activity is being conducted. The activity status (active/inactive) of MOAs may change frequently. Therefore, pilots should contact any FSS within 100 miles of the area to obtain accurate real-time information concerning the MOA hours of operation. Prior to entering an active MOA, pilots should contact the controlling agency for traffic advisories.

Question 61

62. What is an “Alert Area”?

AIM 3-4-6

Answer 61

Alert areas are depicted on aeronautical charts to inform nonparticipating pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity. Pilots should be particularly alert when flying in these areas. All activity within an Alert Area shall be conducted in accordance with regulations, without waiver, and pilots of participating aircraft as well as pilots transiting the area shall be equally responsible for collision avoidance.

Question 62

63. What are “Controlled Firing Areas”?

AIM 3-4-7

Answer 62

Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs) contain activities that, if not conducted in a controlled environment, could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft. The distinguishing feature of the CFA, as compared to other special use airspace, is that its activities are suspended immediately when spotter aircraft, radar or ground lookout positions indicate an aircraft might be approaching the area. CFAs are not charted.

Question 63

64. What is a “National Security Area”?

AIM 3-5-7

Answer 63

National Security Areas consist of airspace of defined vertical and lateral dimensions established at locations where there is a requirement for increased security and safety of ground facilities. Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through the depicted NSA. When is it necessary to provide a greater level of security and safety, flight in NSAs may be temporarily prohibited by regulation under the provisions of 14 CFR §99.7.

Question 64

65. What is a Special Flight Rules Areas (SFRA)? (14 CFR Part 93)

Answer 64

An SFRA is an area of airspace within which Special Federal Aviation Regulations (SFARs) apply. Examples include the Washington D.C. SFRA and the Grand Canyon SFRA. Established operating requirements and procedures to operate within the SFRA can be found in 14 CFR Part 93 and on the specific chart legend for that area. Always check NOTAMs for possible procedural changes in the SFRA.

Question 65

66. Where can information on special use airspace be found?

AIM 3-4-1

Answer 65

Special use airspace (except CFAs) are charted on IFR or visual charts and include the hours of operation, altitudes, and the controlling agency

Question 66

67. Where can a pilot find information on VFR flyways, VFR Corridors, and Class B airspace transition routes used to transition busy terminal airspace?
    (AIM 3-5-5)

Answer 66

Information will normally be depicted on the reverse side of VFR Terminal Area Charts, commonly referred to as Class B airspace charts.

Question 67

68. What is an “Airport Advisory Area”?

AIM Glossary; 3-5-1

Answer 67

An airport advisory area is the area within 10 statute miles of an airport where a control tower is not operating but where a FSS is located. At such locations, the FSS provides advisory service to arriving aircraft. It is not mandatory that pilots participate in the Airport Advisory program, but it is strongly recommended they do so.

Question 68

69. What are “Military Training Routes”?

AIM 3-5-2

Answer 68

Military Training Routes are developed for use by the military for the purpose of conducting low-altitude, high speed training. The routes above 1,500 feet AGL are developed to be flown, to the maximum extent possible, under IFR. The routes at 1,500 feet AGL and below are generally developed to be flown under VFR. Routes below 1,500 feet AGL use four-digit identifiers (i.e. IR 1004, VR 1008). Routes above 1,500 feet AGL use three-digit identifiers, (i.e. IR 003, VR 004). IR is for IFR routes and VR is for VFR routes.

Question 69

70. What is a “TRSA”?

AIM Glossary

Answer 69

A Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) consists of airspace surrounding designated airports wherein ATC provides radar vectoring, sequencing, and separation on a full time basis for all IFR and participating VFR aircraft. Pilot participation is urged but not mandatory.

Question 70

71.	What class of airspace is a “TRSA”? 
(AIM 3-5-6)

Answer 70

TRSAs do not fit into any of the U.S. airspace classes and are not contained in 14 CFR Part 71 nor are there any operating rules in Part 91. The primary airport(s) within the TRSA become Class D airspace. The remaining portion of a TRSA overlies other controlled airspace which is normally Class E airspace beginning at 700 or 1,200 feet and established to transition to/from the enroute/terminal environment. TRSAs will continue to be an airspace area where participating pilots can receive additional radar services which have been redefined as TRSA service.

Question 71

72. How are TRSAs depicted on navigational charts?

AIM 3-5-6

Answer 71

TRSAs are depicted on VFR sectional and terminal area charts with a solid black line and altitudes for each segment. The Class D portion is charted with a blue segmented line.

Question 72

73. What are ADIZ and where are they located? (AIM Glossary)

Answer 72

An Air Defense Identification Zone is an area of airspace over land or water, extending upward from the surface, within which the ready identification, the location and the control of aircraft are required in the interest of national security. ADIZ locations are:
Domestic—located within U.S. along an international boundary.
Coastal—located over coastal waters of the U.S.
Distant Early Warning Identification Zone (DEWIZ)—located over coastal waters of the State of Alaska.
Land-based ADIZ—located over U.S. metropolitan areas.

Question 73

74. What requirements must be satisfied prior to operations into, within or across an ADIZ?
    (AIM 5-6-1)

Answer 73

Operational requirements for aircraft operations associated with an ADIZ are as follows:
Flight plan—An IFR or DVFR flight plan must be filed with the appropriate aeronautical facility.
Two-way radio—An operating two-way radio is required.
Transponder—Aircraft must be equipped with an operable radar beacon transponder having altitude reporting (Mode C) capabilities. The transponder must be turned on and set to the assigned ATC code.
Position reports—For IFR flights, normal position reporting. For DVFR flights, an estimated time of ADIZ penetration must be filed at least 15 minutes prior to entry.
Aircraft position tolerances—Over land, a tolerance of ±5 minutes from the estimated time over a reporting point and within 10 NM from the centerline of an intended track over an estimated reporting point. Over water, a tolerance of ±5 minutes from the estimated time over a reporting point or point of penetration and within 20 NM from centerline of an intended track over an estimated reporting point.