Intro to National Airspace Flashcards

Class A Airspace

• Extends from 18,000 feet MSL to 60,000 feet MSL.
• All flights must operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
• Extends 12 NM from the coast of the contiguous U.S. and Alaska.

Class B Airspace

• Surrounds the busiest airports in the U.S., depicted as an upside-down wedding cake.
• Requires ATC authorization before entry.
• Typically has a ceiling of 10,000 feet MSL.
• Manned aircraft must have a Mode-C transponder.

Class C Airspace

• Serves mid-sized airports, consisting of two rings: a surface area (up to 4,000 feet) and a shelf area (1,200 feet AGL to 4,000 AGL).
• Requires prior ATC authorization for entry.
• Typical ceiling is 4,000 feet AGL.

Class D Airspace

• For smaller airports with control towers, typically extends to 2,500 feet above the airport.
• Requires two-way radio communication with the control tower before entry.
• Ceiling is depicted on sectional charts as MSL.

Class E Airspace

• Any controlled airspace that isn't Class A, B, C, or D.
• Starts at either the surface or 700 feet AGL, extending up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.
• Shaded magenta line indicates 700 feet AGL, while dashed magenta line indicates the surface.

Class G Airspace

• Uncontrolled airspace where no ATC services are provided.
• UAS operations are allowed without prior authorization.
• Class G becomes Class E at 1,200 feet AGL up to 18,000 feet MSL.

Special Use Airspace

• Includes areas like Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, Military Operation Areas (MOAs), Alert Areas, and Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs).
• Prohibited Areas: No flying allowed; marked with "P" and number.
• Restricted Areas: Generally IFR flights allowed if airspace is released; marked with "R" and number.
• Warning Areas: Alert pilots to potential hazards and can start within 3 NM of U.S. coast; marked with "W" and number.
• MOAs: Designated for military operations; civilian traffic is not prohibited but caution is advised.
• Alert Areas: Noted with "A" and number, indicate unusual aerial activity.
• CFAs: Potentially hazardous areas with alerts; not shown on charts.

General Clearance Requirements

• Class C airspace requires prior ATC clearance.
• Class D airspace mandates establishment of radio communication before entry.
• Class E may require authorization depending on the floor level and nearby airports.

Operations and Safety

• Remain aware of nearby airspace types and requirements when conducting operations.
• Always check sectional charts for specific altitude and operational guidelines.### Authorization for Drone Operations
• Obtain authorization from the controlling agency before operating in restricted airspace R-5403.
• According to 14 CFR Part 107.45, drone operators must have permission to fly in restricted areas, which differs from regulations for manned aircraft.
• For inquiries regarding R-5403, contact 1-800-972-8824 for information.

UAV Operations in Restricted Areas

• UAV operations are rarely permitted in restricted airspace without approval from the controlling agency.
• Approval for UAV flights in restricted areas is a rare occurrence.

Finding Information on Restricted Airspace

• To gather information about restricted airspace, such as R-2531, refer to the Notes to Sectional Charts located on the borders of paper sectional charts.
• The FAA does not provide a visual representation of this information on sectional chart printouts, as indicated in Figure 74.

UAV Operations in Special Use Airspace

• Not all UAV operations are prohibited in special use airspace; this statement is false.
• UAV operators can conduct flights in prohibited airspace if permission is obtained from the controlling agency, although such instances are uncommon.