FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Knowledge - Lesson 2

Overview

• Focus: Airspace Classifications, Operating Requirements, Flight Risk Restrictions within the National Airspace System (NAS).
• Structure: Lesson 2 focuses on airspace classes using aeronautical sectional charts to define them better.

Airspace Categories

• Regulatory Airspace: Governed by the FAA.
• Non-Regulatory Airspace: Includes airspace like prohibited, restricted, warning, military operation, alert areas, controlled firing areas.

Airspace Classes

• Controlled Airspace (B, C, D, E): Requires FAA authorization for remote pilots.

  • Class B: Surface to 10,000 feet MSL, surrounds busy airports like Chicago O’Hare.
    • Extends outward in layers, resembling an upside-down wedding cake.
  • Class C: Surface to 4,000 feet MSL, surrounds airports with operational control towers.
  • Class D: Surface to 2,500 feet MSL, surrounds airports specifically with control towers.
  • Class E: Can begin from surface, 700 feet AGL, 1200 feet AGL, or 14,500 feet MSL.

• Uncontrolled Airspace (Class G): Extends from the surface to the base of overlying controlled airspace.

Special Use Airspace (SAO)

• Prohibited Areas: Flight prohibited for security reasons (e.g., Camp David).
• Restricted Areas: Hazardous to non-participating aircraft (e.g., artillery firing).
• Warning Areas: Similar to restricted, but over international waters.
• Military Operation Areas (MOAs): Separate military training from IFR traffic.
• Alert Areas: High volume of training or unusual activity.
• Controlled Firing Areas: Activities must halt if an aircraft approaches.

Aeronautical Charts and Symbols

• Sectional Charts: Depict airspace classes and provide critical information for pilots.
• Notation Examples:
  • Solid magenta circles: Class C
  • Dashed blue lines: Class D
  • Dashed magenta lines: Class E
  • Solid blue lines: Class B

Additional Areas and Features

• Local Airport Advisory (LAA)
• Military Training Routes (MTR): High-speed training, low altitude, marked by IFR or VFR codes.
• Isogonic Lines: Indicate magnetic variation between true north and magnetic north.
• Terminal Radar Service Areas (TRSAs): Offer additional radar services, participation is voluntary.
• National Security Areas (NSAs): Areas requiring extra security, flight may be prohibited.

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)

• Purpose: Announce changes or hazards essential for flight operations.
• Best Source: 1-800-WX-BRIEF.com
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs): Highlighted in bold red, state effective dates and times of restrictions.

Airspace Authorization and Waivers

• Process: Must apply through FAA Drone Zone.
• LANCE System: Provides real-time processing and authorization for controlled airspace.

Practice Questions

• Purpose of Military Training Route: Low-altitude, high-speed training.
• Authorization for Class C operations: Required from the FAA.
• Blue segmented circle: Class D airspace.
• Controlled airspace classes: B, C, D.

Conclusion

• Preparation for Lesson 3: Focus on aeronautical sectional charts, latitude, and longitude, and further airspace details.