Class G Airspace

Question 1

Is Class G airspace controlled or uncontrolled?

Answer 1

Uncontrolled

Question 2

What defines Class G airspace? What do shaded areas of Class G signify on sectionals and enroute charts?

Answer 2

Any Uncontrolled airspace that is not designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E

When shaded on enroute charts, surface to 14,500 feet MSL

Question 4

If a pilot received a clearance while on the ground at a Class G airport, when does the clearance become effective?

Answer 4

When the pilot enters Class E airspace or any other type of controlled airspace

Question 5

Can an instrument-rated pilot takeoff under IFR conditions in Class G airspace without any type of clearance?

Answer 5

Yes, the aircraft must also be approved for instrument flight

Minimum IFR altitudes must be complied with

IFR cruising altitudes must be complied with

Fuel reserves and VOR checks required to be current

Altimeter, Mode C, and static system checks are not required to be current

Question 6

Can a pilot takeoff from a Class G airport, with a 700-foot transition area, into a 200 foot overcast with 1/2 mile visibility with the intent of picking up his/her IFR clearance after passing through the low lying cloud layer?

Answer 6

NO! NEVER! FORGET ABOUT IT!

Basic VFR cloud separation requires 1000 feet ABOVE in Class E airspace, which would be reached at 700 feet

This makes it impossible to adhere to the cloud separation requirements

Take 5 minutes to get a clearance if unsure in a similar situation

Question 7

Let’s suppose you are flying to a major fly-in/airshow that happens to be at a Class G airport. If a “temporary control tower” is put in place to handle the increased traffic, can you land at the airport without two-way communication because it is an uncontrolled field?

Answer 7

NO

Refer to 91.126(d) to see that no person may operate to, from, or on an airport with an operating control tower without two-way communications being established

If en route to such an airport, communications must be established 4 nm from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL

Besides, the hectic approach to landing is the most fun at events such as Sun N’ Fun or Oshkosh