Class Bravo Airspace

Definition and General Characteristics

• Class Bravo Airspace: Defined in AIM, Chapter 3-2-3.
• Altitude Range: Surface up to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding major airports with high IFR operations or passengers.
• Structure: Individually tailored with a surface area and at least two layers, resembling an upside down wedding cake.
• Purpose: Designed to contain all published instrument procedures.
• Requirements:
  • ATC clearance is mandatory for operations within the airspace.
  • Provides separation services for all cleared aircraft.
  • VFR operations must be clear of clouds.

Configuration

• Layers and Boundaries:
  • Starts with an inner core similar to Class Charlie.
  • Surface area and at least two layers; may have more.
  • Lateral boundaries expand outward with each ascending layer.
• Common Dimensions:
  • Surface area and at least two layers.
  • Top altitude typically 10,000 feet MSL, but can vary.

Additional Considerations

• Ceiling Definition: Uses MSL (Mean Sea Level) not AGL (Above Ground Level).
• 30 Nautical Mile Veil: Important numeric limit to remember.
• Research Requirement: Essential to study each specific airspace for boundaries and limits.

Example: Minneapolis International Airport

• Sectional Chart Indicators:
  • Blue lines demarcate Class Bravo airspace.
  • Rings and lines indicate layers and boundaries.
• Layer Structure:
  • Central layer starts at surface up to 10,000 feet MSL.
  • Subsequent layers begin at various heights (2,300 ft, 3,000 ft, 4,000 ft, etc.) up to 10,000 feet MSL.
• Lateral Extensions:
  • Extensions correspond to runway alignments (e.g., northwest-southeast orientation).
  • Extensions show complexity and non-uniform shapes.

Other Examples

• Philadelphia International Airport:
  • Similar wedding cake structure, lower ceiling at 7,000 feet MSL.
  • Extensions align with runway directions.
• Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport:
  • Higher ceiling at 12,500 feet MSL.
  • Rectangular layer shapes corresponding with runway layout.

Future Topics

• Upcoming Lessons:
  • Detailed discussion on Class Bravo entry and VFR weather requirements.
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