Overview
This lecture explains Class G (Golf) airspace in the U.S., how to identify it on sectionals, and reviews its weather minimums for visual flight.
Identifying Class G Airspace
- Class G is uncontrolled airspace in the U.S.
- ATC has no authority or responsibility to control traffic in Class G airspace.
- On VFR sectionals, unmarked areas have Class G up to, but not including, 1,200 feet AGL (Above Ground Level).
- Inside a magenta haze, Class G starts at the surface and goes up to, but not including, 700 feet AGL.
- Inside a blue haze, Class G starts at the surface and goes up to, but not including, 14,500 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level).
- Blue zippered markings on sectionals indicate non-standard Class E (Echo) floors; Class G lies below these.
- Class D airspace can revert to Class G when the control tower is closed; check the chart supplement for details.
Weather Minimums in Class G
- For flight at/below 1,200 feet AGL during the day: 1 statute mile visibility, clear of clouds.
- For flight at/below 1,200 feet AGL at night: 3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
- Exception: At/below 1,200 feet AGL, within 0.5 mile of runway and in traffic pattern at night, daytime minimums apply.
- For Class G above 10,000 feet MSL: 5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds.
- For Class G above 1,200 feet AGL and below 10,000 feet MSL: 1 statute mile visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Class G (Golf) Airspace — Uncontrolled airspace, typically at low altitudes, where ATC has no jurisdiction.
- VFR Sectional — Aeronautical chart showing airspace classes and features for visual flight rules (VFR).
- AGL (Above Ground Level) — Height measured above the terrain directly beneath an aircraft.
- MSL (Mean Sea Level) — Height measured from average sea level.
- Statute Mile — Standard mile used for visibility measurements (5,280 feet).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and download the FAA Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide for sectional chart symbols.
- Practice identifying Class G boundaries on a sectional chart.
- Memorize Class G VFR weather minimums for day and night operations.