National Airspaces pt. 2 Flashcards
Vertical extent of Class A airspace
From 18,000’ MSL up to and including FL 600
Lateral extent of Class A airspace
Covers the entire US except for Hawaii and a small part of Alaska; extends 12 NM offshore
Entry requirements for Class A airspace
Must have an IFR clearance from ATC
Communications requirements in Class A airspace
Maintain two-way radio communications with ATC
Equipment requirements in Class A airspace
Mode C transponder; two-way radio; all equipment required for IFR flight
Pilot certification requirements in Class A airspace
Private pilot with instrument rating
Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class A airspace
IFR/IFR (no VFR traffic allowed)
Altimeter setting(s) used in Class A airspace
All aircraft set their altimeters to 29.92” Hg (standard pressure)
Why do aircraft in Class A use 29.92” instead of a local altimeter setting?
No terrain or obstructions to avoid in Class A, only other aircraft, so flying exact MSL or AGL altitudes isn’t important. Easier to keep everyone at the right altitude if everyone uses the same altimeter setting.
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class A
VFR weather minimums not applicable
Where is Class B airspace generally found?
Around the nation’s busiest airports.
Typical configuration of Class B airspace
Surface area surrounded by two or more layers/shelves. Can resemble “upside-down wedding cake,” but each is individually tailored to contain all instrument procedures for the primary airport.
Top altitude of Class B airspace
7,000’ MSL to 12,500’ MSL, depending on airport (most commonly 10,000’ MSL)
Entry requirements for Class B airspace
Must have a clearance from ATC
Communications requirements in Class B airspace
Maintain two-way radio communications with ATC
Equipment requirements in Class B airspace
Mode C transponder (in and above Class B); two-way radio; VOR receiver or RNAV system (if IFR)
Pilot certification requirements in Class B airspace
Private pilot, or student pilot with specific endorsement from CFI who gave training in that airspace / at that airport. Some Class B airports prohibit all student pilot operations.
Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class B airspace
IFR/IFR, IFR/VFR, and VFR/VFR
What is the “Mode C Veil”?
A Mode C transponder is required within 30 NM of a Class B airport, from the surface to 10,000’ MSL
Speed limit in Class B airspace
250 knots if below 10,000’ MSL, unrestricted above 10,000’ MSL. 200 knots if below Class B floor or in VFR corridor.
Class B depiction on VFR sectional chart
Solid blue lines. Blue numbers in each sector indicate MSL ceiling and floor altitudes (last 2 zeroes omitted).
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class B
3 SM visibility, clear of clouds
Where is Class C airspace generally found?
Around busy airports with control towers and radar approach control.
Typical configuration of Class C airspace
Inner circle / surface area (5 NM radius) surrounded by outer circle (10 NM radius). 20 NM radius “outer area” is not Class C airspace, but approach control services available there.
Typical altitudes of Class C airspace
Inner circle begins at surface, outer circle begins at 1,200’ above airport elevation. Top altitude 4,000’ above airport elevation
Entry requirements for Class C airspace
Establish two-way communications with ATC (must hear ATC use your callsign)
Communications requirements in Class C airspace
Maintain two-way communications with ATC
Equipment requirements in Class C airspace
Mode C transponder (in and above Class C); two-way radio
Pilot certification requirements in Class C airspace
Student pilot
Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class C airspace
IFR/IFR and IFR/VFR
Speed limit in Class C airspace
200 knots, if at or below 2,500’ AGL within 4 NM of the primary airport
Class C depiction on VFR sectional chart
Solid magenta lines. Magenta numbers in each sector indicate MSL ceiling and floor altitudes (last 2 zeroes omitted).
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class C
3 SM visibility, 500’ below / 1,000’ above / 2,000’ horizontal from clouds
