Airspace Flashcards
What are the two main categories of airspace?
- Regulatory Airspace – Includes Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace, restricted areas, and prohibited areas.
- Non-Regulatory Airspace – Includes military operations areas (MOAs), warning areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas (CFAs).
What are the dimensions and altitude limits of Class A airspace?
• Extends from 18,000 feet MSL to FL600 (60,000 feet) across the entire U.S.
• Only IFR flights are permitted.
• Requires an instrument rating and ATC clearance.
What are the entry requirements for Class B airspace?
• ATC clearance required.
• Mode C transponder required within 30 NM of the airport (Mode C Veil).
• Two-way radio communication required.
• Private pilot certificate or student pilot endorsement if applicable.
How is Class C airspace structured?
• Inner core: Surface to 4,000 feet AGL, 5 NM radius.
• Outer shelf: 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet AGL, 10 NM radius.
• Requires two-way radio communication with ATC before entry.
What differentiates Class D from Class C airspace?
• Class D only extends to 2,500 feet AGL, unlike Class C’s 4,000 feet.
• Class D does not have an outer shelf.
• Class C requires a Mode C transponder, but Class D does not.
What is the difference between Class E and Class G airspace?
• Class E (controlled airspace) begins at 1,200 feet AGL (or 700 feet near airports) and extends up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.
• Class G (uncontrolled airspace) exists below Class E and is the only uncontrolled airspace in the U.S..
What are VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace during the day below 1,200 feet AGL?
• 1 statute mile visibility
• Clear of clouds
What is a Prohibited Area, and can you fly through it?
• Prohibited Areas restrict all flight operations for national security reasons (e.g., over the White House).
• Pilots cannot fly through without specific ATC authorization.
What is a Restricted Area, and how can a pilot fly through it?
• Contains activities hazardous to non-participating aircraft, such as missile tests or artillery firing.
• A pilot must receive ATC clearance before entering when the area is active.
What are the special use airspace ?
Prohibited areas,
restricted areas,
MOA military operated areas,
alert areas,
Warning areas
Control firing areas CFA
What is a Military Operations Area (MOA), and can VFR pilots enter?
• MOAs separate military training activities from IFR traffic.
• VFR pilots can enter without permission, but extreme caution is advised due to possible high-speed military aircraft.
What is the Mode C Veil, and where does it apply?
• A 30 NM radius around Class B airports where aircraft must have a Mode C transponder.
What is a Warning Area, and where are they located?
• Airspace located off the U.S. coastline (over international waters) that may contain hazardous activity.
• No ATC clearance required, but pilots should use caution.
What is an Alert Area?
• Areas with high volumes of pilot training or unusual activity.
• No restrictions, but pilots should remain vigilant.
What is a Controlled Firing Area (CFA)?
• Areas where military or industrial activities involve live firing.
• Not depicted on charts because activities halt when aircraft are detected nearby.
What is the standard airspace transition altitude in the U.S.?
• 18,000 feet MSL (Class A airspace begins).
What equipment is required for operations above 10,000 feet MSL?
• A Mode C transponder is required above 10,000 feet MSL, except when below 2,500 feet AGL.
How are Class B, C, D, and E airspaces depicted on VFR sectional charts?
• Class B – Solid blue lines.
• Class C – Solid magenta lines.
• Class D – Dashed blue lines.
• Class E – Dashed magenta (starts at surface) or fading magenta (starts at 700 feet AGL).
What is the purpose of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)?
• TFRs temporarily restrict airspace for reasons such as VIP movement (President), large public events, natural disasters, or firefighting operations.
What is Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), and where are they found?
• SFRA is a specially designated area with unique rules for entry and operations, such as the Washington, D.C. SFRA.
• Requires filing a flight plan and ATC communication.
What are the Special Use Airspace categories?
Prohibited Areas – No entry allowed
What equipment is required to operate in class C airspace
A two-way radio, Mode C transponder, and ADS-B Out are required
What is the purpose of a VFR corridor through Class B airspace?
A VFR corridor allows VFR aircraft to transit through Class B airspace without requiring ATC clearance, as long as they remain within the defined corridor.
What is the difference between Class C and Class D airspace?
• Class C: Requires two-way radio communication, Mode C transponder, and ADS-B Out. It surrounds busier airports with a control tower and radar services.
• Class D: Requires only two-way radio communication and surrounds airports with a control tower but no radar approach control.
What are the lateral and vertical limits of Class D airspace?
• Generally extends up to 2,500 feet AGL above the airport.
• Lateral boundaries vary and are based on local needs, often forming a cylinder around the airport.
How is Class E airspace depicted on sectional charts?
• Class E with a floor of 700 feet AGL is shaded magenta.
• Class E with a floor of 1,200 feet AGL is shaded blue.
• Dashed magenta lines indicate Class E extending down to the surface.
At what altitude does Class E airspace begin if not otherwise designated?
14,500 feet MSL over the continental U.S. unless designated lower
What is Class G airspace, and where is it found?
Class G is uncontrolled airspace found below Class E, typically near the ground in remote areas or below 1,200 feet AGL in many regions.
What is the purpose of a restricted area?
Restricted areas contain hazards to aircraft such as military operations, artillery firing, or missile testing, and entry requires ATC clearance.
What is the difference between a restricted area and a prohibited area?
• Restricted Area: Entry is permitted only with ATC clearance due to potential hazards.
• Prohibited Area: No aircraft may enter except with special government permission (e.g., the White House or Camp David).
How do Military Operations Areas (MOAs) affect civilian pilots?
MOAs contain military flight training and maneuvers. Civilian aircraft can fly through them VFR, but extreme caution is advised, and pilots should check NOTAMs before entering.
What is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR), and where might you see one?
A TFR is a temporary restriction of airspace for security or safety reasons, such as for presidential movements, wildfires, air shows, or major sporting events.
What is the purpose of a National Security Area (NSA)?
NSAs are established to increase security around sensitive locations, such as nuclear power plants or military bases. Pilots are strongly advised to avoid them.
What is a Controlled Firing Area (CFA), and why don’t they appear on charts?
CFAs are areas where military or industrial activities involve firing ordnance. They do not appear on charts because activities stop immediately if aircraft are detected nearby.
What is the speed limit for aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL?
250 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS), unless authorized otherwise by ATC.
What is the speed restriction in Class B airspace below 10,000 feet?
There is no specific speed limit inside Class B, but below Class B and within a VFR corridor, the speed limit is 200 KIAS.
What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class C airspace?
3 statute miles (SM) visibility, with cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally (3-152 rule).
How do you determine if an airport lies within Class D airspace
Class D airspace is depicted with a blue dashed circle on sectional charts and is listed in the Chart Supplement (formerly the A/FD).
What are the VFR cloud clearance requirements in Class G airspace at night?
Below 1,200 feet AGL at night, pilots must have 3 SM visibility and clear clouds (same as Class E).
What is the difference between an alert area and a warning area?
• Alert Area: High-volume pilot training or unusual aerial activity; pilots should exercise caution.
• Warning Area: Similar to restricted areas but extends over international waters, where U.S. regulations may not apply.
What is the minimum altitude for VFR flight over congested areas?
1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.
What are the basic VFR weather minimums in Class A airspace
VFR is not allowed in Class A airspace. All flights must be conducted under IFR.
What are the VFR weather minimums in Class B airspace?
• Visibility: 3 statute miles (SM)
• Cloud clearance: Clear of clouds
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class C airspace?
• Visibility: 3 SM
• Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal (3-152 rule)
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class D airspace?
• Visibility: 3 SM
• Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal (3-152 rule)
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL?
• Visibility: 3 SM
• Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal (3-152 rule)
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL?
• Visibility: 5 SM
• Cloud clearance: 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 SM horizontal (5-111 rule)
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class G airspace below 1,200 feet AGL during the day?
• Visibility: 1 SM
• Cloud clearance: Clear of clouds
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class G airspace below 1,200 feet AGL at night?
• Visibility: 3 SM
• Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal (3-152 rule)
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class G airspace above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL during the day?
• Visibility: 1 SM
• Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal (1-152 rule)
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class G airspace above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL at night?
• Visibility: 3 SM
• Cloud clearance: 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal (3-152 rule)
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class G airspace above 10,000 feet MSL?
• Visibility: 5 SM
• Cloud clearance: 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 SM horizontal (5-111 rule)
What is the special VFR (SVFR) weather minimum for Class B, C, D, and E surface areas?
• Visibility: 1 SM
• Cloud clearance: Clear of clouds
• Must have ATC clearance
Can special VFR (SVFR) be conducted at night?
Yes, but the pilot must be IFR-rated and in an IFR-equipped aircraft.
