Airspace Classifications (Law) Flashcards
Class A airspace
Types of flight: IFR only Separation: IFR to IFR Service provided: ATC Speed limit: none R/T comms required: 2 way ATC clearance: required VMC criteria: No VFR allowed, but: flight visibility >8km above FL100, >5km beneath, and with 1500m laterally to clouds, 1000ft vertically.
Class B airspace
Types: IFR and VFR Separation: everyone Service: ATC Speed limit: none R/T: 2 way ATC clearance: required VMC criteria: flight visibility >8km above FL100, >5km beneath, and with 1500m laterally to clouds, 1000ft vertically.
Class C airspace
Types: IFR and VFR
Separation: IFR to IFR, IFR to VFR
Service: ATC
Speed limit: For VFR, 250kt below FL 100.
R/T: 2 way
ATC clearance: required
VMC criteria: flight visibility >8km above FL100, >5km beneath, and with 1500m laterally to clouds, 1000ft vertically.
Class D airspace
Types: IFR and VFR
Separation: IFR to IFR only
Service: ATC
Speed limit: all flights below 250ft below FL 100.
R/T: 2 way
ATC clearance: required
VMC criteria: flight visibility >8km above FL100, >5km beneath, and with 1500m laterally to clouds, 1000ft vertically.
Class E airspace
Types: IFR and VFR
Separation: IFR to IFR only
Service: ATC to IFR only, FIS to VFR
Speed limit: 250kt below FL100 for everyone
R/T: 2 way for IFR, not for VFR
ATC clearance: IFR only
VMC criteria: flight visibility >8km above FL100, >5km beneath, and with 1500m laterally to clouds, 1000ft vertically.
Class F airspace
Types: IFR and VFR
Separation: IFR advisory separation, but not mandatory to follow
Service: Advisory service
Speed limit: 250kt below 100FL for everyone
R/T: IFR needs 2 way, VFR needs nothing.
ATC clearance: None
VMC criteria: flight visibility >8km above FL100, >5km beneath, and with 1500m laterally to clouds, 1000ft vertically. BUT under 3000ft/1000ft above ground (whichever is higher), operating at 140kt or less, visibility needs to be above 1500m, (800m for helicopters), and you need to not be in a cloud.
Class G airspace
Types: IFR and VFR
Separation: Nobody
Service: FIS and ALRS
Speed limit: 250kt below FL100 for everyone
R/T: IFR needs 2 way comms, VFR none
ATC clearance: None required
VMC criteria: flight visibility >8km above FL100, >5km beneath, and with 1500m laterally to clouds, 1000ft vertically. BUT under 3000ft/1000ft above ground (whichever is higher), operating at 140kt or less, visibility needs to be above 1500m, (800m for helicopters), and you need to not be in a cloud.
What are the special VMC minima for control zones?
Except where special VFR clearance is obtained, VFR flights shall not take off or and at an aerodrome within a control zone, or enter the traffic zone or circuit if the reported VMC at that aerodrome is below the following: no cloud ceiling below 1500ft, and ground visibility of 5km.
What is an RMZ, and what is required of aircraft entering an RMZ?
Airspace of a defined dimension wherein the carriage and operation of radio equipment is mandatory. It may be designated in classes E, F and G airspace. In an RMZ zone, 2 way radio comms must be maintained at all times. Before entering a RMZ, an initial call shall be made by the pilot on the appropriate channel giving the following details: designation of the station, callsign and type of aircraft, position and level of craft, and intentions for flight, as well as any other information prescribed by the appropriate authorities.
What is a TMZ?
Airspace of a defined dimension wherein the carriage and operation of pressure-altitude reporting transponders (mode C) is mandatory.
What is the difference between general and operational air traffic?
General air traffic is following the rules of the air. Operational air traffic is not, for some specific and pre-agreed reason, for example conducting a test flight, or a military exercise.
What are Prohibited Areas?
Areas of defined dimensions above the land or waters of a state within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. Marked with a P on charts.
What are Danger Areas?
Areas of defined dimensions within which activities dangerous to the flight of aircraft may exist at specified times or continuously. Marked with a D on charts.
What are Restricted Areas?
Areas of defined dimensions above the land or waters of a state within which flights are restricted in accordance with certain specified conditions. Marked with an R on charts.
What are Temporarily Reserved Areas?
A defined volume of airspace usually under the jurisdiction of one aviation authority and temporarily reserved for the specific use by another aviation authority and through which other traffic may be allowed to transit under ATC clearance.
