AIM Chapter 3 Flashcards

Class A Airspace

• Extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to FL 600
• Includes airspace 12 nautical miles offshore from the continental US and Alaska

Class B Airspace

• Ranges from surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the busiest airports
• Configured as a surface area with two or more layers, resembling an upside-down wedding cake
• Requires ATC clearance to enter

Class C Airspace

• Extends from surface to 4,000 feet MSL
• Typically has a 5 nautical mile radius core area and a 10 nautical mile shelf area
• Shelf area extends between 1,200 and 4,000 feet above the airport elevation

Class D Airspace

• Extends from the surface to 2,500 feet MSL around controlled tower airports
• Requires two-way radio communication to enter

Regulations Reference

• Specific airspace dimensions and operational requirements can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (3-1-1)

Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Restrictions

• No operation beneath the ceiling of controlled airspace when the ceiling is below 1,000 feet

Unmanned Free Balloon Operations

• Cannot operate below 2,000 feet above the surface in Class B, C, D, or E airspace designated for an airport, unless authorized by ATC

Class B Airspace Operations

• Generally extends from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL around major airports, characterized by high IFR operations or passenger enplanements

Class C Airspace Characteristics

• Typically from the surface to 4,000 feet MSL surrounding airports with control towers and radar approach controls

Speed Restrictions in Class C Airspace

• Aircraft must not exceed 200 knots when operating at or below 2,500 feet within 4 nautical miles of a primary Class C airport

Class D Airspace Operational Limits

• Ranges from surface to 2,500 feet MSL around airports with operational control towers

Class E Airspace Specifications

• Extends upward from either the surface or a designated altitude, with no defined vertical limit up to 18,000 feet MSL

Federal Airways

• Class E airspace areas that extend from 1,200 feet to just below 18,000 feet MSL unless specified otherwise

Special Use Airspace

• Contains areas where activities are confined, imposing limitations to protect non-participating aircraft

Warning Areas

• Airspace extending 3 nautical miles outward from the US coast, where hazardous activities could affect non-participating aircraft

Military Operating Areas (MOAs)

• Defined airspace for separating military training activities from IFR traffic

Speed Authorization in MOAs

• DOD aircraft may exceed 250 knots below 10,000 feet MSL in active MOAs

Alert Areas

• Marked on aeronautical charts to indicate high volumes of pilot training or unusual aerial activity

Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs)

• Areas where potentially hazardous activities can occur but are controlled to ensure safety for non-participating aircraft

Advisory Services

• Three advisory type services available at selected airports to assist pilots

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on Class A, B, and C airspace from AIM Chapter 3. Each flashcard presents a key concept related to aviation airspace classification, essential for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Perfect for study and review!