AIM Chapter 3 Airspace Flashcards
Airspace
What are the two types of airspace?
Regulatory:
- Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace areas, restricted and prohibited areas
Non-regulatory:
- MOA, warning areas, alert areas, controlled firing areas, and national security ares
AIM 3-1-1(a)
Under the two categories of airspace, there are four types, what are they?
- Controlled
- Uncontrolled
- Special use
- Other
AIM 3-1-1(b)
If two different airspace designations apply to the same airspace, how are the operating rules determined?
The more restrictive airspace designation applies
(i.e. Class B is more restrictive than Class C, D, E, or G_
AIM 3-1-3(a)
Can a pilot operate beneath the ceiling under VFR within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace to the surface if the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet?
No
Aim 3-1-4(b)
What are the Basic VFR Weather minimums in Class A airspace?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
N/A
Table 3-1-1
What are the Basic VFR weather minimums in Class B airspace?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
Visibility - 3 statute miles
Clouds - clear of clouds
Table 3-1-1
What are the Basic VFR weather minimums in Class C airspace?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
Visibility - 3 statute miles
Clouds - 500 feet below, 1,000 above, 2000 horizontal
Table 3-1-1
What are the Basic VFR weather minimums in Class D airspace?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
Visibility - 3 statute miles
Clouds - 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
Table 3-1-1
What are the Basic VFR weather minimums in Class E airspace?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
Less than 10,000 feet
- Visibility - 3 statute miles
- Clouds - 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
At or above 10,000 feet
- Visibility - 5 statute miles
- Clouds - 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal
Table 3-1-1
What are the Basic VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace, less than 1,200 feet anywhere?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
Day
- Visibility - 1 statute mile
- Clouds - clear of clouds
Night
- Visibility - 3 statute miles
- Clouds - 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
Table 3-1-1
What are the Basic VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace, more than 1,200 feet but less than 10,000?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
Day
- Visibility - 1 statute mile
- Clouds - 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
Night
- Visibility - 3 statute miles
- Clouds - 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
Table 3-1-1
What are the Basic VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace, more than 1,200 feet AGL and more than 10,000 feet MSL?
Visibility & Cloud clearance
Visibility - 5 statute miles
Clouds - 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, 1 statute mile horizontal
Table 3-1-1
How are VFR cruising altitudes determined?
Magnetic course
Table 3-1-2
When do the VFR cruising alitudes begin?
More than 3,000 feet AGL
Table 3-1-2
Between the magnetic courses of 0 degrees to 179 degrees, a pilot should fly at what altitudes?
Odd thousands MSL, plus 500 feet
(i.e. 3,500; 5,500; 7,500; etc.)
Table 3-1-2
Between the magnetic courses of 180 degrees to 359 degrees, a pilot should fly at what altitudes?
Even thousands MSL, pluss 500 feet
(i.e. 4,500; 6,500; 8,500; etc.)
Table 3-1-2
What is controlled airspace?
A generic term that covers the different classification of aircapse and defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided to IFR flights and VFR flights in accordance with the airspace classification
AIM 3-2-1(a)
Who is responsible to make sure ATC clearance and radio communication requirements are met prior to entering Class B, C, or D airspace?
The pilot
AIM 3-2-1(d)
When will traffic advisories be provided?
To all aircraft as the controller’s work situation permits
AIM 3-2-1(e)
When will safety alerts be provided?
Safety Alerts are a mandatory service and provided to ALL aircraft
AIM 3-2-1(f)
What are the 2 types of safety alerts?
- Terrain/Obstruction Alert
- Aircraft Conflict/Mode C Intruder Alert
AIM 3-2-1(f)
When will an aircaft be issued a terrain/obsruction safety alert?
When, in the controller’s judgment, an aircraft’s altitude places it in unsafe proximity to terrain and/or obstructions
AIM 3-2-1(f)(1)
When will an aircraft be issued an aircraft conflict safety alert?
If the controller observes another aircraft which places it in an unsafe proximity. When feasible, the controller will offer the pilot an alternative course of action
AIM 3-2-1(f)(2)
Where are Ultralight Vehicles not allowed to operate?
Within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport without ATC authorization
AIM 3-2-1(g)
Where are Unmanned Free Balloons not allowed to operate?
Below 2,000ft above the surface within the lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport without authorization from ATC
AIM 3-2-1(h)
Can a person make a parachute jump into Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace?
No, unless the ATC facility having jurisdication over the airspace has authorized the operation
AIM 3-2-1(i)
What are the lateral and vertical boundaries of class A airspace?
Lateral - Everywhere including the airsapce overlying the waters within 12 NM off the coast of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska (and Hawaii established in § 71.33)
Vertical - 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600
AIM 3-2-2(a)
What are the operating requirements in Class A airspace?
All aircraft must be operated under IFR
AIM 3-2-2(b)
Is Class A airspace charted?
No
AIM 3-2-2(c)
What are the dimensions of Class B airspace?
Generally, the airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL, but each area is individually tailored
AIM 3-2-3(a)
Why are Class B airspace shaped like upside down wedding cakes?
They are designed to contain all published instrument procedures once an aircraft has entered the airspace
AIM 3-2-2(a)
Why is the cloud requirements only “clear of clouds” in Class B airspace?
All aircraft are required to get a clearance and will receive separation from ATC
AIM 3-2-3(a)
What are the requirements for the pilot and the aircraft to enter Class B airspace?
Pilot
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate
- Student, sport, or recreational pilots with correct endorsements and training (Except for some Class B airports listed under AIM 3-2-3(b)(2))
Aircraft
- IFR - operable VOR or TACAN receiver
- All operations - two way radio capabilities, and unless authorized by ATC, an operable radar beacon transponder with automatic altitude reporting and operable ADS-B Out equipment
A CLEARANCE WITH THE CALLSIGN
AIM 3-2-3(b)
Can a pilot fly into Class B airspace with an inoperable transponder?
Yes, a pilot can request a deviation:
- In the air, with ATC
- On the ground, a request must be sent to the controlling ATC facility at least 1 hour before the proposed operation
AIM 3-2-3(b)(5)
Can a pilot fly into Class B airsapce with inoperable ADS-B Out equipment
Yes, provided a request for a deviation was submitted using the FAA’s automated web authorization tool at least 1 hour but not more than 24 hours before the proposed operation
AIM 3-2-3(b)(5)
What are the vertical and lateral limits of a mode C veil?
Lateral - Within 30 NM of an airport
Vertical - Surface up to 10,000 feet MSL
AIM 3-2-3(b)(6)
What aircraft are exempt from the Mode C veil requirements?
Aircraft not originally certificated with an engine-driven electrical system provided:
- They remain outside Class A, B, or C airsapce; and remain below the altitude of the ceiling of a Class B or Class C airspace area, or 10,000ft MSL, whichever is lower
AIM 3-2-3(b)(6)
Do arriving aircraft require an ATC clearance before entering Class B airspace?
YES!
AIM 3-2-3(d)(2)(a)
Do departing aircraft require an ATC clearance to depart Class B airspace?
YES!
AIM 3-2-3(d)(2)(b)
Do aircraft transiting Class B airspace require an ATC clearance?
Yes! Pilots are encouraged to operate at altitude above or below the Class B airspace
AIM 3-2-3(d)(2)(c)
What frequency should pilots use when operating in established Class B VFR corridors?
122.75
AIM 3-2-3(d)(2)(c)
How are VFR aircraft separated from all aircraft that are less than to equal to 19,000lbs in Class B?
- Target resolution
- 500ft vertically
- Visually
AIM 3-2-3(e)(1)
How are VFR aircraft separated from all aircraft that are more than 19,000lbs and all turbojets in Class B?
- 1.5 miles laterally
- 500ft vertically
- Visually
AIM 3-2-3(e)(2)
Do ATC separation services relieve pilots of their see-and-avoid responsibilities?
No
AIM 3-2-3(e)(3)
What are the vertical and lateral limits of a Class C airspace?
Vertical - Generally, from the surface to 4,000ft AGL
Lateral - Usually consists of a 5 NM radius core and a shelf that is 10 NM radius that goes from 1,200 to 4,000 feet
Each Class C is individually tailored
AIM 3-2-4(a)
What are the requirements of the pilot and the aircraft to enter Class C airspace?
Pilot
- No specific requirements
Aircraft
- Two way radios
- Unless authorized, an automatic altitude reporting transponder and operable ADS-B Out equipment
Two-way radio contact means ATC must respond with your callsign
AIM 3-2-4(c)
How far out does a Class C procedural Outer Area extend?
Normally 20 NM from the primary Class C airport
AIM 3-2-4(c)(3)
When departing from an airport without an operating control tower in Class C airspace, when must radio communications be established?
As soon as practicable after departing
AIM 3-2-4(c)(4)(b)
What is the speed limit in Class C airspace?
Indicated airspeed of 200 knots (230 mph) within 4 NM and at or below 2,500 feet AGL
(Other parts of Class C are 250 knots)
AIM 3-2-4(c)(5)
What ATC services are provided to VFR aircraft in Class C airspace and Outer Area?
- Sequencing to the primary airport
- Basic Radar Services
How are aircraft separted in Class C airspace and Outer Area?
- Visual separation
- 500 feet vertical separation
- Target resolution
AIM 3-2-4(e)
What are the vertical limits of a Class D airspace?
Vertical - 2,500 feet above the surface
Each Class D airspace is individually tailored
AIM 3-2-5(a)
What are requirements of a pilot and aircraft to enter Class D airspace?
Pilot
- no requirements
Aircraft
- unless authorized, two way radio capabilities
Two way radio must be established before entering
AIM 3-2-5(b)
When departing from an airport without an operating control tower in Class D airspace, when must radio communications be established?
As soon as practicable after departing
AIM 3-2-5(b)(4)(b)
Aircraft speed in Class D?
Indicated airspeed of 200 knots (230 mph) within 4 NM and at or below 2,500 feet AGL
AIM 3-2-5(b)(5)
When will a Class D surface area extension remain Class D airspace?
If all extensions are 2 miles or less
AIM 3-2-5(d)(1)
When will a Class D surface area extension be Class E airspace?
If any one extension is greater than 2 miles, than all extensions will be Class E airspace
AIM 3-2-5(d)(2)
What separation services are provided to VFR aircraft in Class D airspace?
No separation services are provided to VFR aircraft
AIM 3-2-5(e)
What are the pilot and aircraft requirements to fly in Class E airspace?
Pilot
- None
Aircraft
- An operable transponder with automatic altitude reporting and operable ADS-B Out equipment at and above 10,000ft MSL within the 48 contiguous states and DC, excluding the airspace at and below 2,500ft AGL
- Operable ADS-B out equipment at and above 3,000ft MSL over the Gulf of Mexico from the coastline out to 12 NM
AIM 3-2-6(b)(2)
What are the vertical limits of Class E airspace?
14,500ft MSL up to but not including 18,000ft MSL (Can be at altitudes of 700ft AGL or 1,200ft AGL as charted)
Above FL600
AIM 3-2-6(d)
What must an airport have to qualify for a Class E surface area?
Weather observation and reporting capability
Communications between the aircraft down to the runway surafce
AIM 3-2-6(e)(1)(a)
If a part-time Class C, Class D, or Class E airport reverts to Class G airspace, do the Class E surface extensions also change?
Yes, at they will become Class E at the same time
AIM 3-2-6(e)(2)
Where do Class E transition areas begin?
700ft AGL (magneta vignette)
1,200ft AGL (blue vignette)
AIM 3-2-6(e)(3)(a)
Are Class E transition areas in effect contnuously?
Yes, regardless of airport operating hours or surface area status
AIM 3-2-6(e)(3)(b)
At what altitudes and airspace do Federal Airways exist?
Class E airspace and, unless otherwise specified, extend from 1,200ft AGL to, but not including, 18,000ft MSL
AIM 3-2-6(e)(5)
What are offshore airspace areas?
Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude up to 17,999 MSL
- Provide controlled airspace beyond 12 miles from the coast of the US
AIM 3-2-6(e)(6)
What separation services are provided to VFR aircraft in Class E airspace?
No separation services are provided to VFR aircraft
AIM 3-2-6(f)
What is the definition of Class G airspace?
Uncontrolled airspace that has not been designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace
AIM 3-3-1
What are the VFR requirements for flying in Class G airspace?
- Ability to perform see-and-avoid reponsibility
- Have the minimum flight visibility and distance from clouds
AIM 3-3-2
What kinds of airspace are not depicted on aeronautical charts?
Controlled firing areas
Temporary military operations areas
Temporary restricted areas
AIM 3-4-1(a)
What are the two regulatory special use airspaces?
Prohibited and Restricted Areas
AIM 3-4-1(b)
What are the five non-regulatory special use airspaces?
- Warning area
- Military Operations Area (MOA)
- Alert area
- Controlled Firing Areas (CFA)
- National Security Areas (NSA)
AIM 3-4-1(c)
What is a prohibited area?
An area on the surface where flight is prohibited to establish security or other reasons associated with national welfare
AIM 3-4-2
What is a restricted areas?
An area of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles
AIM 3-4-3(a)
Who do you get permission to penetrate a restricted area from?
The controlling or using agency
AIM 3-4-3(a)
Who is the controlling agency when talking about restricted areas?
The FAA/appropriate ATC facility
AIM 3-4-3(b)
What is a warning area?
An area extending from 3nm outward from the US coast which may contain activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft
AIM 3-4-4
What is a military operations area?
Airspace established for separating certain military training activities from IFR aircraft.
AIM 3-4-5(a)
What military activities may be conducted in a MOA?
- Air combat tactics
- Air intercepts
- Aerobatics
- Formation training
- Low altitude tactics
AIM 3-4-5(b)
What rules are military planes exempt from when operating in a MOA?
- Can do aerobatics in Class D and E surface areas
- Can do aerobatics within a federal airway
- Fly in excess of 250 kts indicated below 10,000 MSL
AIM 3-4-5(b)
How can you find out about the activity in a MOA while in flight?
Contact a FSS within 100 NM
AIM 3-4-5(c)
What is an alert area?
High volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity
AIM 3-4-6
What is a controlled firing area?
Hazardous activities for nonparticipating aircraft
Activity is suspended upon spotting another aircraft
NOT CHARTED
AIM 3-4-7
What is a national securtiy area?
An area where there is a requirement for increased security and safety of ground facilitys
Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through a NSA. When necessary, a NSA may be temporarily prohibited
AIM 3-4-8
What is SUAIS?
Special Use Airspace Information System
24-Hour service operatec by the military that provides civilian pilots, flying VFR, with information regarding military flight operations in certian MOAs and restricted airspace within central Alaska
- Alaska only
- Near real time info on military ops in MOAs in central AK
- Has radio frequencies and phone numbers in AK chart supp for info
AIM 3-4-9(c)
What is Local Airport Advisory (LAA)?
Service operated within 10SM of an airport where there is no control tower, but there is a FSS
- Only available in Alaska
AIM 3-5-1(a)(1)
Where can LAA’s be found?
Alaska
AIM 3-5-1(a)(1)
What is a traffic service LAAs provide?
Automatically provide “Final Guard” during periods of fast changing weather
- From the time an aircraft reports “on-final” or “taking the active runway until the aircraft reports “on the ground” or “airborne” to end the service
What is a Remote Airport Information Service (RAIS)?
Provided in support of short term special events like small to medium fly ins
- Services advertised by NOTAM D only and provided by a FSS like an LAA but does not include WX or final guard service
AIM 3-5-1(a)(2)
An Airport authority/manager must request RAIS by how long prior to an event?
At least 30 days advance notice to the manager of the FSS
AIM 3-5-1(a)(2)
Are pilots required to participate in an Airport Adivsory Program?
No
AIM 3-5-1(b)
What are military training routes?
High-speed, low-level military combat routes
AIM 3-5-2(a)
What are the weather minimums for MTRs? VFR & IFR
VFR- 5 miles visibility, 3,000 for ceilings
IFR- N/A
AIM 3-5-2(c)
MTRs with 4 numbers mean what?
(i.e. IR1356, VR1537)
No segments above 1,500 feet AGL
AIM 3-5-2(d)(1)(a)
MTRs with three numbers mean what?
(i.e. IR345, VR443)
One or more legs is above 1,500 ft AGL
AIM 3-5-2(d)(1)(b)
What is a SMAR?
Speical Military Activity Routes
- The airspace allocated to the associated IFR military training routes within which the Department of Defense conducts periodic operations involving Unmanned Aircraft Systems
AIM 3-5-2(d)(2)(b)
How do we find information about MTRs while flying?
FSS within 100 NM
AIM 3-5-2(g)
What further information can you get from an FSS about an MTR?
- Time of scheduled activity
- Altitudes in use on each route segment
- Actual route width (can vary)
AIM 3-5-2(g)
What are the purposes of establishing temporary flight restrictions?
- Protect property and persons
- Provide a safe environment
- Prevent unsafe congestion of sightseeing around an event of public interest
- Protect declared national disasters for humanitarian reasons in Hawaii
- Protect the President, Vice President, or other public figures
- Safe environment for space agency operations
AIM 3-5-3(b)
How large will a TFR to protect persons/property or provide a safe environment for rescue/relief aircraft operations be?
2000ft above the surface
3NM radius
AIM 3-5-3(f)
Who can clear an aircraft to enter a TFR?
ATC having authority over the airspace
AIM 3-5-3(h)
What should a pilot dropping parachutists broadcast on CTAF?
- Aircraft’s altitude and position in relation to the airport
- The approximate time the jump will commence and terminate
- Listen to the position reports of other aircraft in the area?
AIM 3-5-4(c)
What is a VFR flyway?
A feneral flight path not defined as a specific course, for use by pilots in planning flights into, out of, through, or near complex terminal airspace to avoid Class B airspace
ATC clearance is NOT required
AIM 3-5-5(a)(1)
Is an ATC clearance required to operate in a VFR flyway?
No
AIM 3-5-5(a)(1)
What is a VFR corridor?
Corridor or hole through a Class B airspace
Airspace with defined vertical and lateral boundaries
ATC clearance is NOT required
AIM 3-5-5(b)
Is an ATC clearance required to operate in a VFR corridor?
No
AIM 3-5-5(b)(1)
What is a VFR Transition Route?
A specific flight course depicted on a TAC for transitioning a specific Class B airspace
ATC clearance is REQUIRED
AIM 3-5-5(c)(1)
Is an ATC clearance required to operate in a VFR transition route?
Yes
AIM 3-5-5(c)(1)
What should pilots state to ATC when requesting a VFR transition route?
- Position
- Altitude
- Route name desired
- Direction of flight
Are TRSA’s controlled airspace?
Not from a regulatory standpoint
AIM 3-5-6(a)
What is a Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)?
An area wher participating pilots can receive additional radar services
AIM 3-5-6(a)
What Class of airspace is a TRSA?
Class D around the primary airport
Class E beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet
AIM 3-5-6(b)
Are VFR pilots required to pariticapte in a TRSA?
No, but participation is encouraged
AIM 3-5-6(c)
What is a SFRA?
Special Flight Rules Area
- Airspace of defined dimensions within which the flight of aircraft is subject to the rules set forth in 14 CFR Part 93
AIM 3-5-7(b)
Is participitation required in a Speical Air Traffic Rules (SATR) or Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)?
Yes, pilots must adhere to the rules set forth in 14 CFR Part 93, unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC
AIM 3-5-7(c)
Where can a pilot find more information and resources regarding a SFRA?
www.faasafety.gov
AIM 3-5-7(e)
What is the FRZ?
Flight Restricted Zone
In Washington DC.
AIM 3-5-8
What must a pilot comply with to operate in the Washington, DC, SFRA/FRZ?
- 14 CFR § 93.339, Washington DE, Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area including the FRZ
- 14 CFR § 91.161, Special Awareness Training for the DC SFRA/FRZ
- 14 CFR § 99.7, special security instructions for the DC SFRA/FRA pulished via NOTAM
AIM 3-5-8
Where can a pilot find special awareness training for the DC SFRA/FRZ?
www.faasafety.gov
AIM 3-5-8(b)
What is a WRA?
Weather Reconnaissance Area
- Established to support the mission of Hurricane Hunters from the United States Air Force Reserve 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather reconnaissance/research aircraft
- Airspace with defined dimensions published by NOTAM
- Established only in US Flight Information Regions outside of US territorial airspace.
AIM 3-5-9
Can VFR aircraft fly through a stationary or moving altitude reservation (ALTRV)?
Yes but should exercise vigilance
AIM 3-5-10(a)
What is an ALTRV?
A Stationary or Moving Altitude Reservation
- Airspace of defined vertical/lateral limits for the purpose of providing air traffic segregation between the specified activities being conducted within the assigned airspace and other IFR air traffic
AIM 3-5-10(b)
