Class A Airspace

Question 1

What is the vertical area of Class A airspace?

Answer 1

From FL 180 (18,000 feet) up to FL 600 (60,000 feet)

Question 2

What is the overall coverage of Class A airspace?

Answer 2

Over the 48 contiguous US (including D.C.)

Most of Alaska

Within 12 NM offshore

Question 3

Does Class A airspace exist above Hawaii?

Answer 3

No Class A above Hawaii

Question 4

What are the entry requirements for Class A airspace?

Answer 4

IFR clearance from ATC

Question 5

What are the communications requirements for Class A airspace?

Answer 5

Two-way radio communications

Question 6

What are the equipment requirements for Class A airspace?

Answer 6

Mode C transponder

Two-way radio

All equipment required for IFR flight in a specified aircraft

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) above FL 240

Question 7

Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) is required above what altitude inside Class A airspace?

Answer 7

Above FL 240 (24,000 feet)

Question 8

What is the minimum pilot certificate requirement for Class A airspace?

Answer 8

Private pilot with an instrument rating

Question 9

Under what circumstances would an aircraft find itself under VFR in Class A airspace?

Answer 9

Emergency due to lost communications

Question 10

What is the minimum flight visibility or distance from clouds in Class A airspace?

Answer 10

No flight visibility or distance from clouds is specified

Question 11

What altimeter setting is universally used in Class A airspace?

Answer 11

29.92 (indicated = pressure altitude)

Question 12

What is the purpose of mandating that a 29.92 altimeter setting be used by all aircraft in Class A airspace?

Answer 12

Allows for all aircraft to be flying on same altimeter setting

No local altimeters needed for terrain or obstacle clearance

Easier and safer when separating air traffic