Airspace

Question 1

Tell me about Class A Airspace? Who is allowed to enter?

Answer 1

• Controlled airspace from 18,000’ MSL to FL600 within the 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Includes the airspace within 12 NM of the shoreline as well as designated international airspace beyond the 12 NM distance.
• IFR only unless otherwise authorized.

Question 2

Tell me about Class B airspace? Who is allowed to enter? What are the lateral and vertical bounds? What does it provide?

Answer 2

• Controlled airspace surrounding the nation’s busiest airports.
• Usually extends from the surface up to 10,000’ MSL.
• The shape of each class B is specifically tailored for its environment.
• Consist of a surface area and two or more layers (resembling an upside-down wedding cake).
• Requires two-way radio communications.
• ATC separates both VFR and IFR traffic.
• Requires ATC clearance to enter. VFR pilots must make sure they hear a clearance to “Enter Class B”. IFR pilots will typically already have this clearance as part of their ATC clearance picked up before or after takeoff.
• A Mode-C transponder and ADS-B Out equipment are required within a 30 NM radius (the “Mode-C Veil”).

Question 3

Tell me about Class C Airspace? What must you have to enter? What does it provide? What are the lateral and vertical bounds?

Answer 3

• Controlled airspace around towered airports with certain number of IFR operations or passenger volume.
• Typical inner area is a 5 NM radius surrounding its primary airport, extending up to 4,000’ above airport height.
• A 10 NM radius shelf area typically extends from no lower than 1,200’ up to 4,000’ above airport height.
• A non-charted outer area extends up to 20 NM from the primary airport.
• ATC Provides VFR/ IFR traffic separation in the outer area if two-way radio communication is established and in the Class C airspace itself.
• Requires two-way radio communication, a Mode-C transponder and ADS-B Out equipment.

Question 4

Tell me about Class D airspace? What are the lateral and vertical bounds? What is required to enter?

Answer 4

• Controlled airspace extending from the surface to 2,500’ above airport height.
• Usually shaped as a cylinder with a 4 NM radius from the primary airport.
• Requires two-way radio communication.

Question 5

Tell me about Class E Airspace? What equipment is required?

Answer 5

• Controlled airspace not designated as A, B, C, or D. ■ May or may not be associated with an airport.
• Requires Mode-C transponder and ADS-B Out equipment at and above 10,000’ MSL within the 48 contiguous states and D.C., excluding at or below 2,500’ AGL.
• Requires ADS-B Out at and above 3,000’ MSL over the Gulf of Mexico from the U.S. coast out to 12 NM.

Question 6

Tell me about Class G Airspace?

Answer 6

• Uncontrolled airspace.
• Class G airspace is generally any airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E.

Question 7

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