National Airspaces pt. 3 Flashcards
Where is Class D airspace generally found?
Smaller or less busy towered airports, usually without approach radar
Typical configuration of Class D airspace
Circular area around airport, 4 NM radius. May have extensions to include instrument approach/departure paths.
Typical altitudes of Class D airspace
Surface to 2,500’ above airport elevation
Entry requirements for Class D airspace
Establish two-way communications with ATC (must hear ATC use your callsign)
Communications requirements in Class D airspace
Maintain two-way communications with ATC
Equipment requirements in Class D airspace
Two-way radio
Pilot certification requirements in Class D airspace
Student pilot
Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class D airspace
IFR/IFR
Speed limit in Class D airspace
200 knots, if at or below 2,500’ AGL within 4 NM of the primary airport
Class D depiction on VFR sectional chart
Dashed blue lines. Blue number in dashed box indicates MSL ceiling altitude (last 2 zeroes omitted).
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class D
3 SM visibility, 500’ below / 1,000’ above / 2,000’ horizontal from clouds
If the control tower closes at night, what happens to the Class D airspace?
Reverts to Class E if continuous weather reporting is maintained or Class G if not. Check the A/FD for details.
What is a TRSA?
Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) are designated airspaces around Class D airports which have a high level of traffic. This airspace provides radar services such as sequencing and traffic advisories for participating aircrafts. Participation is not mandatory but it is encouraged.
Vertical extent of Class E airspace, when not otherwise marked on the VFR sectional chart
14,500’ MSL or 1,500’ AGL (whichever is higher) up to but not including 18,000’ MSL, and above FL 600
Lateral extent of Class E airspace
Covers the entire US except for a small part of Alaska; extends 12 NM offshore
Entry requirements for Class E airspace
None for VFR; ATC clearance for IFR
Communications requirements in Class E airspace
None for VFR; IFR must maintain two-way radio communications
Equipment requirements in Class E airspace
Mode C transponder at and above 10,000’ MSL, otherwise no special requirements
Pilot certification requirements in Class E airspace
Student pilot
Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class E airspace
IFR/IFR
Speed limit in Class E airspace
250 knots below 10,000’ MSL, unrestricted above
Class E depiction on VFR sectional chart
Varies depending on altitude of floor. Surface: dashed magenta line. 700’ AGL: magenta vignette. 1,200’ anywhere else.
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class E below 10,000’ MSL
3 SM visibility, 500’ below / 1,000’ above / 2,000’ horizontal from clouds
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class E at or above 10,000’ MSL
5 SM visibility, 1,000’ below / 1,000’ above / 1 SM horizontal from clouds
List the types of Class E airspace areas.
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
Floor altitude of Class E airspace designated for Federal airways
1,200’ AGL
Floor altitudes of Class E airspace designated for transition areas
700’ AGL or 1,200’ AGL
Why is Class E considered controlled airspace, if pilots can fly in it without talking to ATC?
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.
