Airspace Classification Key Terms and Definitions

Question 1

Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS)

Answer 1

is an anatomically based, consensus derived, global severity scoring system that classifies an individual injury by body region according to its relative severity on a 6 point scale (1=minor and 6=maximal).

Question 2

Advisory Circular (AC)

Answer 2

non-regulatory documents intended to inform and guide institutions and individuals within the aviation industry, as well as the general public.

Question 3

Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)

Answer 3

systematic approach to the mental process used by pilots to consistently determine the best course of action in response to a given set of circumstances.

Question 4

Airspace Waiver

Answer 4

may be issued where the applicant can demonstrate safety mitigations through equipage that their UAS can safely operate in controlled airspace without seeking ATC authorization prior to each operation

Question 5

Air Traffic Control (ATC)

Answer 5

a service provided by ground-based air traffic controllers who direct aircraft on the ground and through controlled airspace, and can provide advisory services to aircraft in non-controlled airspace.

Question 6

Center of Gravity (CG)

Answer 6

considered as a point at which all the weight of the aircraft is concentrated.

Question 7

Chart Supplement U.S.

Answer 7

(formerly Airport/Facility Directory) provides the most comprehensive information on a given airport.

Question 8

Class A Airspace

Answer 8

Airspace from 18,000’ MSL to 60,000’ MSL

Question 9

Class B Airspace

Answer 9

Airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet mean sea level (MSL) surrounding the nation’s busiest airports.

Question 10

Class C Airspace

Answer 10

Airspace from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower.

Question 11

Class D Airspace

Answer 11

Airspace from the surface to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower.

Question 12

Class E Airspace

Answer 12

Controlled airspace not classified as Class A, B, C, or D airspace.

Question 13

Class G Airspace

Answer 13

Uncontrolled Airspace, the portion of the airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E.

Question 14

COA

Answer 14

Certificate of Authorization - the mechanism by which an operator may seek Air Traffic Control (ATC) approval to operate in controlled airspace.

Question 15

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

Answer 15

is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.

Question 16

COW

Answer 16

Certificate of Waiver - is an official document issued by the FAA which approves certain operations of aircraft outside the limitations of a regulation.

Question 17

Crew Resource Management (CRM)

Answer 17

focused on the effective use of all available resources: human resources, hardware, and information supporting ADM to facilitate crew cooperation and improve decision-making.

Question 18

FAA Drone Zone

Answer 18

website for registering your drone, submitting waiver request, and reporting accidents

Question 19

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Answer 19

regulate all aspects of civil aviation in the United States as well as over its surrounding international waters.

Question 20

Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ)

Answer 20

extends approximately 15 nautical miles (about 17 statute miles) around Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Question 21

Local Airport Advisory (LAA)

Answer 21

A service provided by facilities, which are located on the landing airport, have a discrete ground−to−air communication frequency or the tower frequency when the tower is closed, automated weather reporting with voice broadcasting, and a continuous ASOS/AWSS/AWOS data display, other continuous direct reading instruments, or manual observations available to the specialist.

Question 22

Mean Sea Level (MSL)

Answer 22

An average level of the surface of one or more of Earth’s bodies of water from which heights such as elevation may be measured. In aviation, used as the standard sea level at which atmospheric pressure is measured to calibrate altitude and, consequently, aircraft flight levels.

Question 23

Military Operation Areas (MOA)

Answer 23

Consist of airspace with vertical and lateral limits established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from IFR traffic

Question 24

Military Training Route (MTR)

Answer 24

Routes used by military aircraft to maintain proficiency in tactical flying. These routes are usually established below 10,000 feet MSL for operations at speeds in excess of 250 knots.

Question 25

National Airspace System (NAS)

Answer 25

network of airspace—air navigation facilities, equipment and services, airports or landing areas; aeronautical charts, information and services; rules, regulations and procedures, technical information; and manpower and material.

Question 26

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Answer 26

American scientific agency that focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere.

Question 27

Nautical Miles (NM)

Answer 27

Unit of measurement used in air, marine, and space navigation, and for the definition of territorial waters. It is defined as exactly 1852 meters (about 1.15 miles).

Question 28

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)

Answer 28

A notice filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the safety of the flight.

Question 29

Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)

Answer 29

A person who holds a remote pilot certificate with an sUAS rating and has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of an sUAS operation conducted under part 107.

Question 30

Sectional Chart

Answer 30

Aeronautical chart. A map used in air navigation containing all or part of the following: topographic features, hazards and obstructions, navigation aids, navigation routes, designated airspace, and airports.

Question 31

Single Pilot Resource Management (SRM)

Answer 31

Includes the concepts of ADM, risk management (RM), task management (TM), automation management (AM), controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) awareness, and the automation and associated aircraft control and navigation tasks.

Question 32

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR)

Answer 32

The NOTAM begins with the phrase “FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS” followed by the location of the temporary restriction, effective time period, area defined in statute miles, and altitudes affected.

Question 33

Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)

Answer 33

Rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing all aviation activities in the United States.