Class C Airspace

Question 1

What is the vertical range for most of Class C airspace?

Answer 1

Surface to 4,000 feet AGL

Question 2

What two facilities are found at a Class C airport?

Answer 2

Operating control tower

Radar approach control

Question 3

What are common segmentation characteristics of Class C airspace? In other words, how is most Class C airspace segmented around a Class C airport?

Answer 3

5 NM radius CORE (inner circle) that extends from the surface up to 4,000 feet AGL

10 NM radius SHELF (outer circle) that extends from 1,200 feet AGL to 4,000 feet AGL

Outer Area with 20 NM radius that extends from the lower limits of radar/radio coverage up to the ceiling of the approach control’s airspace (NOT DEPICTED)

Question 4

What are the entry requirements for Class C airspace?

Answer 4

Two-way communication must be established

Question 5

What initial controller responses prevent an aircraft from entering Class C airspace?

Answer 5

If the controller does not acknowledge the aircraft CALLSIGN

If the controller advises the aircraft to remain outside Class C until workload permits entry

Question 6

If a controller responds to initial contact with “(Callsign) standy”, is that aircraft permitted to enter Class C airspace?

Answer 6

Yes

Radio communication has been established and the aircraft can enter Class C

Question 7

What are the speed limits in/surrounding Class C airspace?

Answer 7

250 KIAS below 10,000 feet

Below 2,500 feet AGL within 4 NM of a Class C at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 KIAS

Any speed between 200 KIAS and 250 KIAS must be assigned by ATC (e.g. 230 KIAS)

Question 8

Suppose an aircraft is taking off from a satellite airport without a control tower in Class C airspace, when must the aircraft establish radio contact?

Answer 8

An aircraft taking off from a non-towered satellite airport must establish radio communications “as soon as practical” after departing