National Airspaces pt. 2

Question 1

Vertical extent of Class A airspace

Answer 1

From 18,000’ MSL up to and including FL 600

Question 2

Lateral extent of Class A airspace

Answer 2

Covers the entire US except for Hawaii and a small part of Alaska; extends 12 NM offshore

Question 3

Entry requirements for Class A airspace

Answer 3

Must have an IFR clearance from ATC

Question 4

Communications requirements in Class A airspace

Answer 4

Maintain two-way radio communications with ATC

Question 5

Equipment requirements in Class A airspace

Answer 5

Mode C transponder; two-way radio; all equipment required for IFR flight

Question 6

Pilot certification requirements in Class A airspace

Answer 6

Private pilot with instrument rating

Question 7

Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class A airspace

Answer 7

IFR/IFR (no VFR traffic allowed)

Question 8

Altimeter setting(s) used in Class A airspace

Answer 8

All aircraft set their altimeters to 29.92” Hg (standard pressure)

Question 9

Why do aircraft in Class A use 29.92” instead of a local altimeter setting?

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Basic VFR weather minimums, Class A

Answer 10

VFR weather minimums not applicable

Question 11

Where is Class B airspace generally found?

Answer 11

Around the nation’s busiest airports.

Question 12

Typical configuration of Class B airspace

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Top altitude of Class B airspace

Answer 13

7,000’ MSL to 12,500’ MSL, depending on airport (most commonly 10,000’ MSL)

Question 14

Entry requirements for Class B airspace

Answer 14

Must have a clearance from ATC

Question 15

Communications requirements in Class B airspace

Answer 15

Maintain two-way radio communications with ATC

Question 16

Equipment requirements in Class B airspace

Answer 16

Mode C transponder (in and above Class B); two-way radio; VOR receiver or RNAV system (if IFR)

Question 17

Pilot certification requirements in Class B airspace

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class B airspace

Answer 18

IFR/IFR, IFR/VFR, and VFR/VFR

Question 19

What is the “Mode C Veil”?

Answer 19

A Mode C transponder is required within 30 NM of a Class B airport, from the surface to 10,000’ MSL

Question 20

Speed limit in Class B airspace

Answer 20

250 knots if below 10,000’ MSL, unrestricted above 10,000’ MSL. 200 knots if below Class B floor or in VFR corridor.

Question 21

Class B depiction on VFR sectional chart

Answer 21

Solid blue lines. Blue numbers in each sector indicate MSL ceiling and floor altitudes (last 2 zeroes omitted).

Question 22

Basic VFR weather minimums, Class B

Answer 22

3 SM visibility, clear of clouds

Question 23

Where is Class C airspace generally found?

Answer 23

Around busy airports with control towers and radar approach control.

Question 24

Typical configuration of Class C airspace

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

Typical altitudes of Class C airspace

Answer 25

Inner circle begins at surface, outer circle begins at 1,200’ above airport elevation. Top altitude 4,000’ above airport elevation

Question 26

Entry requirements for Class C airspace

Answer 26

Establish two-way communications with ATC (must hear ATC use your callsign)

Question 27

Communications requirements in Class C airspace

Answer 27

Maintain two-way communications with ATC

Question 28

Equipment requirements in Class C airspace

Answer 28

Mode C transponder (in and above Class C); two-way radio

Question 29

Pilot certification requirements in Class C airspace

Answer 29

Student pilot

Question 30

Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class C airspace

Answer 30

IFR/IFR and IFR/VFR

Question 31

Speed limit in Class C airspace

Answer 31

200 knots, if at or below 2,500’ AGL within 4 NM of the primary airport

Question 32

Class C depiction on VFR sectional chart

Answer 32

Solid magenta lines. Magenta numbers in each sector indicate MSL ceiling and floor altitudes (last 2 zeroes omitted).

Question 33

Basic VFR weather minimums, Class C

Answer 33

3 SM visibility, 500’ below / 1,000’ above / 2,000’ horizontal from clouds