National Airspaces pt. 3

Question 1

Where is Class D airspace generally found?

Answer 1

Smaller or less busy towered airports, usually without approach radar

Question 2

Typical configuration of Class D airspace

Answer 2

Circular area around airport, 4 NM radius. May have extensions to include instrument approach/departure paths.

Question 3

Typical altitudes of Class D airspace

Answer 3

Surface to 2,500’ above airport elevation

Question 4

Entry requirements for Class D airspace

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Communications requirements in Class D airspace

Answer 5

Maintain two-way communications with ATC

Question 6

Equipment requirements in Class D airspace

Answer 6

Two-way radio

Question 7

Pilot certification requirements in Class D airspace

Answer 7

Student pilot

Question 8

Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class D airspace

Answer 8

IFR/IFR

Question 9

Speed limit in Class D airspace

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Class D depiction on VFR sectional chart

Answer 10

Dashed blue lines. Blue number in dashed box indicates MSL ceiling altitude (last 2 zeroes omitted).

Question 11

Basic VFR weather minimums, Class D

Answer 11

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

Question 12

If the control tower closes at night, what happens to the Class D airspace?

Answer 12

Reverts to Class E if continuous weather reporting is maintained or Class G if not. Check the A/FD for details.

Question 13

What is a TRSA?

Answer 13

Terminal Radar Service Area - provides optional radar approach control services at a few Class D airports

Question 14

Vertical extent of Class E airspace, when not otherwise marked on the VFR sectional chart

Answer 14

14,500’ MSL or 1,500’ AGL (whichever is higher) up to but not including 18,000’ MSL, and above FL 600

Question 15

Lateral extent of Class E airspace

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Entry requirements for Class E airspace

Answer 16

None for VFR; ATC clearance for IFR

Question 17

Communications requirements in Class E airspace

Answer 17

None for VFR; IFR must maintain two-way radio communications

Question 18

Equipment requirements in Class E airspace

Answer 18

Mode C transponder at and above 10,000’ MSL, otherwise no special requirements

Question 19

Pilot certification requirements in Class E airspace

Answer 19

Student pilot

Question 20

Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class E airspace

Answer 20

IFR/IFR

Question 21

Speed limit in Class E airspace

Answer 21

250 knots below 10,000’ MSL, unrestricted above

Question 22

Class E depiction on VFR sectional chart

Answer 22

Varies depending on altitude of floor. Surface: dashed magenta line. 700’ AGL: magenta vignette. 1,200’ AGL: blue vignette.

Question 23

Basic VFR weather minimums, Class E below 10,000’ MSL

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Basic VFR weather minimums, Class E at or above 10,000’ MSL

Answer 24

5 SM visibility, 1,000’ below / 1,000’ above / 1 SM horizontal from clouds

Question 25

List the types of Class E airspace areas.

Answer 25

Surface area designated for an airport; extension to a surface area of Class B, C, or D airspace; transition areas; Federal airways; en route domestic areas; offshore airspace areas

Question 26

Floor altitude of Class E airspace designated for Federal airways

Answer 26

1,200’ AGL

Question 27

Floor altitudes of Class E airspace designated for transition areas

Answer 27

700’ AGL or 1,200’ AGL

Question 28

Why is Class E considered controlled airspace, if pilots can fly in it without talking to ATC?

Answer 28

The controlled vs. uncontrolled distinction has to do with IFR operations. IFR traffic in Class E must have a clearance from and communicate with ATC.