Airspace Classification: Focus on Class E and Class G

Class E Airspace

Controlled Airspace
- No requirement to contact Air Traffic Control (ATC) or obtain clearance for VFR.
- VFR Requirements: Higher visibility and cloud clearance than Class G.
- Often called weather-controlled airspace by VFR pilots.
Locations and Altitudes
- Encompasses airspace from 14,500 MSL to 18,000 MSL across the continental US and coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles.
- Lower limit of 14,500 MSL is often extended to 1,200 AGL based on radar coverage.
- Extended further to 700 feet AGL or to the surface in areas for instrument traffic protection.
- Customized around specific airport instrument approaches and shown on aeronautical charts.
Victor Airways
- Class E is designated along these federal airways.
- Typically 8 miles wide, stretching 4 miles on either side of the airway's centerline.
- Extends from 1,200 feet AGL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL.
Requirements
- No specific airplane equipment needed.
- Pilots are not required to contact ATC.

Uncontrolled Airspace
- Includes all airspace not classified as A, B, C, D, or E.
- Federal aviation regulations still apply.
- No specific airplane equipment needed to operate.
- No requirement to contact ATC.
Airports
- Normally, towered airports are designated as Class D, C, or B.
- Possible for airports in Class E or G to be towered.
- If a control tower is present and operational:
  - Must establish radio communication before 4 nautical miles from the airport.
  - Applies up to and including 2,500 feet AGL.
  - Area identical to typical Class D size.

Class E is primarily controlled but doesn’t require pilot communication or equipment checks for VFR.
Class G is entirely uncontrolled with similar communication and equipment rules as Class E, but is broader and includes more varied airspace.
Understanding the specific requirements and areas of both classes is crucial for navigation and compliance.