National Airspaces pt. 4 Flashcards
Vertical extent of Class G airspace
From the surface up to the overlying Class E
Lateral extent of Class G airspace
Covers the entire US
Entry requirements for Class G airspace
ATC clearance not required, even for IFR
Speed limit in Class G airspace
250 knots below 10,000’ MSL
Communications requirements in Class G airspace
None for VFR; IFR must maintain two-way radio communications
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class G at or below 1,200’ AGL
- Day - 1 SM visibility, clear of clouds
- Night - 3 SM visibility, 500’ below / 1,000’ above / 2,000’ horizontal from clouds
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class G above 1,200’ AGL but below 10,000’ MSL
- Day - 1 SM visibility, 500’ below / 1,000’ above / 2,000’ horizontal from clouds
- Night - 3 SM visibility, 500’ below / 1,000’ above / 2,000’ horizontal from clouds
Basic VFR weather minimums, Class G above 1,200’ AGL and at or above 10,000’ MSL
5 SM visibility, 1,000’ below / 1,000’ above / 1 SM horizontal from clouds
Traffic separation provided by ATC in Class G airspace
None
Equipment requirements in Class G airspace
Mode C transponder at and above 10,000’ MSL, otherwise no special requirements
Pilot certification requirements in Class G airspace
Student pilot
Can you fly under IFR / in IMC in uncontrolled, Class G airspace?
Yes. You must follow the normal instrument flight rules (re: currency, required equipment, minimum altitudes, etc.), but you do so without an ATC clearance. Traffic separation relies on low traffic levels (“big sky theory”).
What is special use airspace?
Airspace that confines activities that could be hazardous to air traffic and/or limits operations by aircraft that are not part of those activities.
List the types of special use airspace areas.
Military Operations Area (MOA
Controlled Firing Area
Prohibited Area
Restricted Area
Alert Area
Warning Area
National Security Area (TFR)
Which types of special use airspace can VFR aircraft fly through without obtaining permission or clearance?
Warning, military operations, alert, controlled firing.
What is a controlling agency?
The ATC facility to contact for authorization to transit a restricted area or for information on activity within an MOA.
Which types of special use airspace are marked in blue on VFR sectional charts?
Prohibited, restricted, warning.
Which types of special use airspace are marked in magenta on VFR sectional charts?
Military operations, alert, national security.
Which type of special use airspace is not marked on the VFR sectional chart? Why? Where can a pilot find their location?
- Controlled firing.
- Operations are suspended whenever aircraft approach the area.
- The A/FD.
Where are prohibited areas typically found?
Critical national security sites, e.g the White House, US Capitol, nuclear weapons facilities.
Activities typically found in restricted areas
Activities that are extremely hazardous to other aircraft, e.g. aerial gunnery, live missile testing, etc.
Activities typically found in MOAs
Military training activities that may be exempt from certain FARs, e.g. aerobatics, air combat tactics, low-altitude tactics, etc.
Activities typically found in alert areas
High volumes of flight training or other unusual aerial activity.
Activities typically found in warning areas
Activities that are extremely hazardous to other aircraft, e.g. aerial gunnery, live missile testing, etc.
What is the purpose of a national security area?
To reduce air traffic over sensitive national security sites (military bases, government research labs, etc.) by asking pilots to voluntarily avoid overflying the area.
Why do VFR pilots not need authorization to enter warning areas, when they contain the same types of hazards as restricted areas?
Warning areas are at least 12 NM offshore, and the US government does not have sole jurisdiction over the airspace.
How should pilots check for TFRs before flight?
Visit tfr.faa.gov or call 1-800-WX-BRIEF.
How does the FAA inform pilots that a TFR has gone into effect?
They issue a NOTAM.
What types of flight operations are allowed inside a TFR?
It depends on the TFR. Some TFRs prohibit all aircraft operations, while others allow certain operations when authorized by ATC. Read the TFR NOTAM for more details.
What are some incidents/events around which a TFR might be designated?
Wildfires, natural disasters, presidential visits, air shows, sporting events, space launches, national security concerns, etc.
How much advance notice are pilots given of TFRs?
It depends on the TFR. Some TFR NOTAMs are published days in advance, while others take effect immediately.
What is a TRSA?
TRSA (Terminal Radar Service Area) is a designated airspace where pilots can receive additional radar services from air traffic control, VFR traffics are not required to participate but it is recommended, it is depicted with a solid dark gray line on the sectional.
What services do TRSA provide to participating traffics?
- Radar Traffic Advisories
- Radar sequencing
