Airspace Classification Quiz: Learn and Master the Skies

Study Notes

Airspace Classification

Airspace is divided into categories based on level of air traffic, nature of operation, level of safety required, and national and public interest

Types of Airspace

Controlled Airspace
Uncontrolled Airspace
Special Use Airspace
Other Airspace

Prohibited Airspace

Military Operation Areas (MOA)
Warning areas
Alert areas
Controlled firing areas

Regulatory Airspace

Class A
Class B
Class C
Class D
Class E

Class A Airspace

Generally from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600
Pilots must operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
Separation is provided for all aircraft
Critical to change altimeter setting to 29.92 when climbing through 18,000 feet
Non-RVSM separation is 2,000' vertically, RVSM separation is 1,000' vertically

Class A Requirements

Pilot must be Instrument Rated
Instrument Flight Plan is required
Instrument Rated Aircraft
Two-Radio Communication
Transponder with Mode-C
No speed limitation

Class B Airspace

Generally from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding busy airports
Configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually tailored
Consists of a surface area and two or more layers

Class B Requirements

VFR minimum visibility: 3 SM visibility and clear of clouds
Private Pilot License (Student Pilot Logbook Endorsement)
Two-way Radio Communication
ATC Clearance to enter
Transponder with Mode-C
Speed requirements: 250 knots below 10,000FT MSL, 200 knots under the Class B airspace

Class C Airspace

Generally from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL)
Surrounding airports that have an operational control tower and are serviced by a radar approach control

Class C Requirements

No specific certification required
Transponder with Mode-C
Two-way Radio Communication with the ATC
VFR requirements: 3SM visibility, 500FT below, 1,000FT above, and 2,000FT horizontally of any clouds
Speed requirements: 250 knots below 10,000FT MSL, 200 knots below 2,500FT AGL and within 4NM of the primary Class C airport

Class D Airspace

Generally from the surface to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL)
Surrounding airports that have an operational control tower

Class D Requirements

Student Pilot
Two-way Radio Communication
Visibility must be at least 3SM, cloud clearance of 500FT below, 1,000FT above, and 2,000FT horizontally of any clouds

Class E Airspace

Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, B, C, or D, and is controlled airspace
IFR traffic in Class E airspace is controlled by ATC

Class E Requirements

Student Pilot License
Two-way Radio Communication
Below 10,000' MSL: 3 SM visibility, 500' below, 1,000' above, 2,000' horizontal
Above 10,000' MSL: 5 SM visibility, 1,000' below, 1,000' above, 1 SM horizontal
Separation is provided for IFR, SVFR, and runway operations
VFR separation is not provided unless flight following is being used
Speed requirements: 250 knots below 10,000' MSL

Class G Airspace

Airspace not designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E
Essentially uncontrolled by ATC except when associated with a temporary control tower
No formal separation services are provided
The PIC is responsible for looking out and avoiding other aircraft

Description

Learn about the different types of airspace, including controlled and uncontrolled airspace, and how they are classified based on factors such as air traffic, operations, and safety requirements. Test your knowledge of airspace management and regulations.