Technique - Airspace

Making sense of the sky

You could encounter more than one classification of airspace in close proximity, so it's important to understand the different requirements of each.

Learning and understanding the various classifications of airspace can be daunting. Sectional charts do a fine job of describing the lateral boundaries, but determining the vertical limits is an indirect process. Boundaries are only the beginning, however. Knowing whether or not you are allowed to fly in the airspace is another. The National Airspace System exists as a way for air traffic control to separate traffic, which gives a bit of insight into the requirements. As the amount of traffic in the airspace increases, so too do the requirements—usually. It comes down to four factors—what training, operational, and equipment requirements must be met in order to enter, and then what weather requirements must be respected to operate legally.

Class A

Training: Instrument rating
Equipment: Approved for instrument flight
Operational: Instrument flight plan, unless otherwise authorized
Weather: Not applicable
•  Starts at 18,000 feet mean sea level up to and including FL600

Class B

Training: Private pilot certificate, or a recreational, sport, or student pilot certificate with specific training and an endorsement
Equipment: Two-way radio and Mode C transponder (inside the Mode C veil)
Operational: Air traffic control clearance
Weather: Clear of clouds
•  Visibility: Three statute miles

Class C

Training: At least a student pilot certificate for solo flight 
Equipment: Two-way radio and Mode C transponder
Operational: Two-way radio communication prior to entering
Weather: Clouds 500 feet below; 1,000 feet above; 2,000 feet horizontally
•  Visibility: Three statute miles

Class D

Training: At least a student pilot certificate for solo flight
Equipment: Two-way radio 
Operational: Two-way radio communication prior to entering
Weather: Clouds 500 feet below; 1,000 feet above; 2,000 feet horizontally
•  Visibility: Three statute miles 

Class E

Training:  At least a student pilot certificate for solo flight
Equipment: None
Operational: None

Class G