Airspace Regulations and Classifications

Airspace, Special VFR, Special Use Airspace, and Other Military Airspace

Introduction to Airspace Categories

  • Two primary categories of airspace:

    • Regulatory: Airspace with specific rules and regulations. Includes Class A, B, C, D, and E.

    • Nonregulatory: Airspace with fewer strict rules, relying more on pilot responsibility. Includes Class G.

  • Airspace classification depends on:

    • Type of operations.

    • Aircraft movements.

    • Nature of operations.

    • Required safety levels.

    • Dimensions.

  • Types of airspace can be seen at a glance on the provided visual aid (also available on Blackboard).

Controlled Airspace (Regulatory)

Class A Airspace

  • Altitude: From 18,00018,000 feet MSL up to and including Flight Level 600600 (FL600) over the contiguous U.S. and Alaska.

  • Lateral Extent: Extends 1212 miles offshore from the U.S. coast.

  • Entry Requirements:

    • Must possess an instrument rating.

    • Must be on an IFR flight plan.

    • Must have an ATC clearance to enter.

    • Aircraft must be IFR equipped.

  • Altimeter Setting: At or above 18,00018,000 feet MSL, the altimeter setting is standardized to 29.9229.92 inches of mercury.

  • Transponder: Must have an operable transponder.

  • Sectional Chart Appearance: Not depicted on sectional charts because it begins uniformly at 18,00018,000 feet MSL. (Visual representation showed a red line indicating 18,00018,000 feet MSL to FL600).

  • Operations: Unless authorized, operations in Class A must be under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

Class B Airspace

  • Definition: Surrounds the nation's busiest airports regarding operations and passenger volume.

  • Shape: Often described as an **