AirspaceFAA-H-8083-25A Chapter 14

Centennial Aviation Academy

3 Basic Types of AirspaceControlled (most to least restrictive)

A BC D E

Uncontrolled G

Special UseProhibited, Restricted, Warning, MOA, Alert and

CFA

A picture is worth...

Lets look at Controlled AirspaceBasically its airspace in which ATC services

are provided

Controlled airspace is designed around IFR traffic... But not to worry, VFR wasn’t an afterthought

Take it from the top....

Class A – Remember “Altitude”From FL180 to FL600For IFR Traffic ONLY (unless you somehow get

above 60,000...then it becomes class E again)Reset altimeter to Pressure Altitude (29.92)

once crossing 18,000

Class B- Busy AirspaceGenerally from SFC-

10,000AGL but is tailored to airport needs

It’s like an upside down wedding cake

You need a Mode C transponder and an ATL Clearance

Student pilots can only fly into the airspace with an endorsement

“Dirty Dozen” AIM 3-2-3

Examples:ATLLGAMCO

Class C – “Think Commercial”Generally from the SFC-

4,000AGLBut they can be tailored

Often has 2 “layers”First one is 5nm radius

SFC-4000Second one is from 5nm-10nm

1,200-4,000

You MustEstablish ATC communicationHave a mode C transponder to

fly within and over the airspace

Examples:SAVCHATYS

Class D – “Think Dialogue”Generally from the SFC-

2,500AGLBut they can be tailored

Often has a single “layer” extending 4nm from the airport

You MustEstablish ATC communication

Examples:PDKRYYFTYLZU

Class E- “Everywhere Else”1,200ft agl unless otherwise shown...

Sfc

700

As depicted by the blue zipper14,500 (found in the Western US) 1,500 AGL W. of longitude 160 G0`00”

in the Alaskan Peninsula Above FL600§ 71.71, FAA Aeronautical Chart Users Guide and AIM 3-2-6

Class G- “Ground” or “Gov’t Free:

Everything that isn’t A, B, C, D or E

RequirementsBefore we get into airspace entry

requirements...Memorize the following...

3sm (statute miles) 1,000 ft above

2,000 horizontal

500 ft below“3 Cessna 152’s” (will be written as) 3 1-5-2

Also memorize “5 F-111” which means 5sm vis. 1,000 above, 1,000 below and 1sm horizontal (written as 5 1-1-1)

Airspace Vis and Cloud Rules: simplified Airspace

Altitude Condition Vis Distance from Clouds

A - - - -

B - - 3 Clear

C - - 3 1-5-2

D - - 3 1-5-2

E >10,000 - 5 1-1-1

<10,000 - 3 1-5-2

G <1,200 above surface

DAY 1 Clear

NIGHT 3 1-5-2

1,200-10,000 DAY 1 1-5-2

NIGHT 3 1-5-2

>10,000 - 5 1-1-1

Helpful Airspace TipsYou as a VFR pilot are not allowed in class AB is 3 miles vis. and clear of cloudsC and D are 3 1-5-2E below 10,000 is 3 1-5-2 E and G above 10,000 is 5 1-1-1 (anytime you are above

10,000 basically)

Anytime you are flying at night in class G- 3 1-5-2

Less than 1,200 in class G? 1 mile vis. and clear of clouds

1,200-10,000 in class G? 1 mile vis. and 1-5-2

Airspace Equipment Rqmt’s.

Special Use Airspace

http://www.aopa.org/airports/airspace

Airspace Activity Flight Allowed

Prohibited National Welfare NO

Restricted Missiles, Firing etc. Not unless auth.

Warning Over water, may be international-extends 12nm from coast of US

YES

Military Operations Area (MOA)

Aircraft dog-fighting, formation flying, abrupt maneuvering etc

YES-advise to contact control agency

Alter t Areas Unusual activity, high volume flight training etc.

YES

Controlled Firing Areas (CFA) Blasting, testing of rocket motors etc

YES