✈️

Understanding Class Bravo Airspace

Oct 15, 2024

Class Bravo Airspace

General Overview

  • Defined in the AIM, Chapter 3-2-3.
  • Extends from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL.
  • Surrounds the nation's busiest airports (IFR operations, passenger, and aircraft movement).
  • Configuration is individually tailored, consisting of a surface area and layers.
  • Resembles an upside-down wedding cake to contain all published instrument procedures.
  • ATC clearance is required for all aircraft operating within the area.
  • VFR operations require being clear of clouds.

Characteristics

  • Most complex airspace due to its location around busy airports.
  • Tailored to suit the needs of the airport it surrounds.
  • Contains a surface area and at least two layers, sometimes with an upside-down wedding cake appearance.
  • Inner core starts at the surface and extends to 10,000 feet MSL.
  • Each layer starts at a higher altitude and extends to the top.
  • Top altitude is normally 10,000 feet MSL, but can vary.
  • 30 nautical mile "veil" surrounds the airspace.

Dimensions

  • Based on MSL (Mean Sea Level) rather than AGL (Above Ground Level).
  • Lateral limits and starting heights of each layer are unique.
  • Important to research individual airspace dimensions.

Example: Minneapolis International Airport

  • Designated on sectional charts with blue lines.
  • Consists of several layers with different floors and ceilings:
    • Surface to 10,000 feet MSL.
    • 2,300 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL.
    • 3,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL.
    • 4,000 feet MSL to 10,000 feet MSL.
    • Extensions starting at 6,000 feet MSL and 7,000 feet MSL.
  • Layers correspond to runway orientations and contained instrument approaches.

Other Examples

  • Philadelphia International Airport:
    • Circular boundaries forming an upside-down wedding cake.
    • Extensions to the west and east.
    • Lateral limits not as extensive as Minneapolis.
    • Top at 7,000 feet MSL.
  • Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:
    • Top extends to 12,500 feet MSL.
    • Layers have a rectangular shape.
    • Corresponds to west-east runway layout.

Conclusion

  • Understanding Class Bravo airspace requires knowing its unique features and configurations.
  • Important to prepare for specific entry and VFR weather requirements.

Note: Stay tuned for further lessons regarding Class Bravo entry and VFR requirements. For further information or questions, you may contact via provided details.

Full transcript