Class E Airspace

Question 1

Is Class E airspace controlled or uncontrolled?

Answer 1

Controlled

Question 2

What is the upward limit of Class E airspace? Does it ever exceed that altitude?

Answer 2

FL180 (18,000 feet)

Yes, Class E begins again above FL600 (60,000 feet)

Question 3

What are the different types of Class E airspace? (Know ALL 6)

Answer 3

1. Surface area for an airport so that it can contain all of the instrument approaches
2. Extensions to a surface area of Class B, D, or D airspace to contain instrument approaches
3. Transition areas beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet AGL
4. En route areas that provide controlled airspace for IFR but are NOT Federal airways
5. Federal AIRWAYS from 1,200 AGL upward to but not including 18,000 feet MSL
6. Unless designated at a lower altitude - Class E begins at 14,500 feet MSL up to, but not including 18,000 feet MSL

Question 4

What is the purpose of bringing Class E airspace to the surface for some airports?

Answer 4

This raises the weather minimums to restrict VFR traffic during poor weather

Allows for instrument approaches to be conducted in airspace where VFR traffic congestion could prevent instrument operations (even if the weather is questionable)

Question 5

What are the required facilities for a surface based Class E airport?

Answer 5

Weather reporting

Two-way communications with ATC to the surface

Approval from the FAA to become Class E

Question 6

Why might some airports that should be a surface based Class E airport remain Class G?

Answer 6

This restricts the amount of VFR traffic when the weather is below the minimums
As an airport/FBO, very bad for economic reasons

Question 7

When weather reporting is unavailable for a surface based Class E airspace/airfield, what type of airspace does it revert to?

Answer 7

Class G with a Class E transition area

Represented by dashed lines on sectionals and en route charts