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Understanding Airspace Classes and Types

Mar 18, 2025

Types of Airspace

Importance

  • Understanding airspace is critical for pilots to follow rules, weather minimums, and equipment requirements.
  • Different types of airspace help in separating aircraft and preventing collisions.

Types of Airspace

  • Controlled Airspace
  • Uncontrolled Airspace
  • Special Use Airspace (will be discussed in a future lesson)
  • Other Airspace (will be discussed in a future lesson)

Classes of Airspace

  • Memorize the phonetic alphabet for class identification.
  • Classes A through E are controlled airspace.
  • Class G is uncontrolled airspace.

Controlled Airspace

Class A Airspace

  • Altitude: 18,000 MSL to FL600 (60,000 feet).
  • Requires IFR clearance.
  • "A" stands for "Above".

Class B Airspace

  • Shape: Upside-down wedding cake.
  • Location: Around major airports (e.g., Dallas Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare).
  • Altitude: Surface to 10,000 feet AGL.
  • "B" stands for "Busy".
  • Requires specific ATC clearance.

Class C Airspace

  • Shape: Smaller upside-down wedding cake.
  • Diameter: Upper level typically 10 miles.
  • Altitude: Surface to 4,000 feet AGL.
  • "C" stands for "Crowded".
  • Requires ATC communication.

Class D Airspace

  • Shape: Cylindrical.
  • Diameter: Usually 5 miles.
  • Altitude: Surface to 2,500 feet AGL.
  • "D" stands for "Dialogue".
  • Requires communication with tower.

Class E Airspace

  • Definition: Controlled airspace not defined as A, B, C, or D.
  • Altitude: Typically starts at 1,200 AGL up to Class A.
  • In busier areas, can start at 700 AGL.
  • "E" stands for "Everywhere Else".

Uncontrolled Airspace

Class G Airspace

  • Definition: Uncontrolled airspace.
  • "G" stands for "Government-free" and "Ground".
  • Typically found at the surface.
  • Least restrictive airspace.

Summary

  • Focus on memorizing the phonetic alphabet for class identification.
  • Understand the categorization of airspace to ensure compliance and safety while flying.

Next Steps

  • Subscribe and hit the bell notification for future lessons.
  • Future lessons will cover special use and other types of airspace in detail.

Full transcript