Airspace Classes Overview

Published routes designed to ease aircraft traffic flow by providing a pre-defined path for pilots, minimizing the need for air traffic control guidance.

Airspace not regulated by air traffic control (ATC), placing the responsibility of separation and safety on the pilot.

Aircraft flying in uncontrolled airspace adhere to instrument flight rules (IFR) and assume responsibility for separation and terrain avoidance, as ATC services are not provided.

Pilots operating in uncontrolled airspace under IFR are not required to file a flight plan or receive clearance or separation services from ATC.

Airspace that extends from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL, surrounding busy airports with IFR operations or high passenger volume.

The visual representation of Class B airspace resembling an upside-down wedding cake with layers extending from the central airport.

A clearance from air traffic control (ATC) is required for all aircraft to operate within Class B airspace.

The process of guiding aircraft through the airspace using radar and communication to ensure safe separation.

The separation procedures used in Class B airspace are similar to those used in Class A airspace.

Both IFR and VFR pilots are required to obtain clearance from the controlling ATC facility before entering Class B airspace.

Pilots must follow ATC instructions within Class B airspace, if at all possible.

The goal of having layers in Class B airspace, with each layer rising in altitude, is to provide controllers with sufficient airspace to guide airplanes to their final approach.

A type of airspace where civilian aircraft operations are strictly forbidden due to national security or public safety concerns. Examples include the White House, Capitol Building, and Camp David.

Aircrafts are prohibited from entering this airspace without specific authorization.

Air traffic controllers cannot authorize civilian aircraft operations within prohibited areas unless an emergency exists.

Each prohibited area is identified with a unique number preceded by the letter 'P' on navigation charts.

Prohibited areas are prominently marked on both IFR and VFR navigation charts to help pilots avoid them.

Federal airways are designed to bypass prohibited areas, but VFR pilots need to be aware of their locations and plan their flight paths accordingly.

VFR pilots must know the locations of prohibited areas and plan their flight paths to avoid them.

A designated point in the airspace where pilots can choose their own flight path after departure, offering more flexibility.

Predefined points in airspace near the destination airport where pilots are required to navigate to. These are used to ensure safe and efficient separation between aircraft during approach.

A grid system covering the United States that defines waypoints for flight planning and operations in the redesigned high-altitude airspace.

Waypoints established in the Navigation Reference System (NRS) every 30 minutes of latitude and every 2 degrees of longitude.

The initial spacing of NRS waypoints, providing a waypoint every 30 minutes of latitude and 2 degrees of longitude.

The eventual spacing of NRS waypoints, providing a waypoint every 10 minutes of latitude and 1 degree of longitude.

A five-character code used to identify each NRS waypoint, starting with 'K' for the United States.

The second character in an NRS waypoint designator, indicating which Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) the waypoint is within.

The use of NRS waypoints for flight planning and operations replaces the traditional use of Victor Airways and jet routes for navigation.

Aeronautical charts that incorporate information about new waypoints, including pitch and catch points, and other important airspace features.

Class E airspace generally has no defined upper limit, instead, it extends upwards to the next layer of controlled airspace.

Aircraft operating on IFR flight plans are guaranteed to remain in controlled airspace during their entire flight.

There are seven types of Class E airspace, each designed to ensure controlled airspace for IFR flights during all phases of flight.

Class E airspace designated to contain standard instrument approach procedures without requiring pilots to contact ATC for VFR operations.

Class E airspace areas used for transitions between the terminal and en route environments, beginning at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL.

Class E airspace that extends upward from a specified altitude and provides controlled airspace in areas lacking adequate federal airway system coverage.

Class E airspace extending upward from a specified altitude to 18,000 feet MSL, used for offshore operations.

Class E airspace is vital for ensuring safe and controlled air traffic flow, especially for IFR flights.

Class E airspace is present in various forms across the US, particularly for IFR flights and ensuring seamless ATC services.