Airspace and Airports Flashcards
What is the standard direction and altitude for airport traffic patterns?
Left turns at 1000 feet AGL
Standard traffic pattern uses left turns unless otherwise noted. Altitude is 1000 feet above ground level (AGL), so to get pattern altitude, add 1000 feet to the airport’s elevation. Some airports may have non-standard patterns with right turns or different altitudes, which will be noted in the airport information/charts. This standardization helps maintain orderly flow of traffic and predictable aircraft positions.
What is Class G airspace and where is it typically found?
Uncontrolled airspace where ATC has no authority or responsibility to control traffic
Class G is uncontrolled airspace that typically extends from the surface up to either 700 or 1200 feet AGL, depending on the local area as shown on sectional charts. In this airspace, ATC provides no services and pilots are responsible for their own traffic separation and navigation. It exists wherever there is no other controlled airspace designated, making it common around small, rural airports.
What is the key difference between Class D and Class B entry requirements?
Class D requires two-way communication, while Class B requires explicit clearance to enter
For Class D airspace, you only need to establish two-way radio communication where the tower responds using your callsign. However, for Class B airspace, you must receive an explicit clearance using the words “Cleared to enter Class Bravo.” While Class B has more restrictive entry requirements, it actually has simpler weather minimums (3 miles visibility, clear of clouds). Both require functioning radio communication.
How do pilots determine where controlled airspace begins above an uncontrolled airport?
Check sectional chart “vignettes” - typically 700 or 1200 feet AGL
Pilots must check the sectional charts for shaded magenta (indicating 700 ft) or blue (indicating 1200 ft) areas. To find the actual MSL altitude where controlled airspace begins, add the airport elevation to this height. As demonstrated in class, if a field elevation is 270 feet and controlled airspace starts at 700 feet AGL, pilots must stay below 970 feet MSL to remain in Class G airspace.
What are the segments of a standard traffic pattern in order?
Departure, Crosswind, Downwind, Base, Final
The traffic pattern is designed to create an orderly flow of traffic around the airport. Starting with departure, aircraft climb straight out, then turn crosswind (90 degrees to the runway), followed by downwind (parallel to the runway in the opposite direction), base (perpendicular to the runway), and final approach. Each leg has standard positions for radio calls to help other pilots visualize traffic positions.
What is Class B airspace shape and why is it designed this way?
Upside-down wedding cake with multiple layers of decreasing size closer to the ground
Class B airspace is designed with larger rings at higher altitudes and smaller rings closer to the ground, resembling an upside-down wedding cake. This structure helps manage traffic flow by providing more airspace at higher altitudes where aircraft need more room to maneuver while approaching or departing the airport. The design typically extends up to 10,000 feet MSL and is found around the nation’s busiest airports.
What are PAPI lights and how do pilots use them?
Precision Approach Path Indicator - provides visual guidance for proper glide path using red and white lights
PAPI consists of a series of lights that show red and white colors depending on the aircraft’s position relative to the ideal glide path. When on the correct approach path, pilots will see two white and two red lights. More red lights indicate being too low, while more white lights indicate being too high. This system helps pilots maintain a safe and consistent approach angle, especially important during night operations or when other visual references are limited.
What makes Class B airspace “B = Busy”?
Large commercial traffic, complex procedures, and explicit clearance required
Class B airspace is the most complex and restrictive airspace, designed to handle heavy commercial traffic around major airports. It provides the highest level of ATC service and requires explicit clearance to enter. Aircraft must maintain strict separation standards and follow specific procedures. This airspace typically surrounds the nation’s busiest airports where air carrier operations predominate, requiring careful coordination of all traffic.
What are a few types of airspace to avoid and why?
Prohibited, Restricted, and TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions)
These special use airspaces have specific restrictions: Prohibited areas completely forbid flight operations due to security or national welfare concerns, Restricted areas require permission due to unusual, often invisible hazards like military operations, and TFRs are temporary restrictions that can pop up for various reasons like VIP movement or natural disasters. Pilots must check for these before every flight as part of their preflight planning.
How do automated weather systems differ between towered and non-towered airports?
Towered airports use ATIS while non-towered airports typically use AWOS/ASOS
At towered airports, ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) provides automated weather plus controller-added information about airport operations. Non-towered airports typically use AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System) or ASOS (Automated Surface Observing System), which provide purely automated weather observations. All systems report essential information like wind, visibility, and ceiling, but they vary in update frequency and level of detail.
