Airspace Flashcards
(54 cards)
What are the two main categories of airspace?
- Regulatory Airspace – Includes Class A, B, C, D, and E airspace, restricted areas, and prohibited areas.
- Non-Regulatory Airspace – Includes military operations areas (MOAs), warning areas, alert areas, and controlled firing areas (CFAs).
What are the dimensions and altitude limits of Class A airspace?
• Extends from 18,000 feet MSL to FL600 (60,000 feet) across the entire U.S.
• Only IFR flights are permitted.
• Requires an instrument rating and ATC clearance.
What are the entry requirements for Class B airspace?
• ATC clearance required.
• Mode C transponder required within 30 NM of the airport (Mode C Veil).
• Two-way radio communication required.
• Private pilot certificate or student pilot endorsement if applicable.
How is Class C airspace structured?
• Inner core: Surface to 4,000 feet AGL, 5 NM radius.
• Outer shelf: 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet AGL, 10 NM radius.
• Requires two-way radio communication with ATC before entry.
What differentiates Class D from Class C airspace?
• Class D only extends to 2,500 feet AGL, unlike Class C’s 4,000 feet.
• Class D does not have an outer shelf.
• Class C requires a Mode C transponder, but Class D does not.
What is the difference between Class E and Class G airspace?
• Class E (controlled airspace) begins at 1,200 feet AGL (or 700 feet near airports) and extends up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.
• Class G (uncontrolled airspace) exists below Class E and is the only uncontrolled airspace in the U.S..
What are VFR weather minimums in Class G airspace during the day below 1,200 feet AGL?
• 1 statute mile visibility
• Clear of clouds
What is a Prohibited Area, and can you fly through it?
• Prohibited Areas restrict all flight operations for national security reasons (e.g., over the White House).
• Pilots cannot fly through without specific ATC authorization.
What is a Restricted Area, and how can a pilot fly through it?
• Contains activities hazardous to non-participating aircraft, such as missile tests or artillery firing.
• A pilot must receive ATC clearance before entering when the area is active.
What are the special use airspace ?
Prohibited areas,
restricted areas,
MOA military operated areas,
alert areas,
Warning areas
Control firing areas CFA
What is a Military Operations Area (MOA), and can VFR pilots enter?
• MOAs separate military training activities from IFR traffic.
• VFR pilots can enter without permission, but extreme caution is advised due to possible high-speed military aircraft.
What is the Mode C Veil, and where does it apply?
• A 30 NM radius around Class B airports where aircraft must have a Mode C transponder.
What is a Warning Area, and where are they located?
• Airspace located off the U.S. coastline (over international waters) that may contain hazardous activity.
• No ATC clearance required, but pilots should use caution.
What is an Alert Area?
• Areas with high volumes of pilot training or unusual activity.
• No restrictions, but pilots should remain vigilant.
What is a Controlled Firing Area (CFA)?
• Areas where military or industrial activities involve live firing.
• Not depicted on charts because activities halt when aircraft are detected nearby.
What is the standard airspace transition altitude in the U.S.?
• 18,000 feet MSL (Class A airspace begins).
What equipment is required for operations above 10,000 feet MSL?
• A Mode C transponder is required above 10,000 feet MSL, except when below 2,500 feet AGL.
How are Class B, C, D, and E airspaces depicted on VFR sectional charts?
• Class B – Solid blue lines.
• Class C – Solid magenta lines.
• Class D – Dashed blue lines.
• Class E – Dashed magenta (starts at surface) or fading magenta (starts at 700 feet AGL).
What is the purpose of Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)?
• TFRs temporarily restrict airspace for reasons such as VIP movement (President), large public events, natural disasters, or firefighting operations.
What is Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), and where are they found?
• SFRA is a specially designated area with unique rules for entry and operations, such as the Washington, D.C. SFRA.
• Requires filing a flight plan and ATC communication.
What are the Special Use Airspace categories?
Prohibited Areas – No entry allowed
What equipment is required to operate in class C airspace
A two-way radio, Mode C transponder, and ADS-B Out are required
What is the purpose of a VFR corridor through Class B airspace?
A VFR corridor allows VFR aircraft to transit through Class B airspace without requiring ATC clearance, as long as they remain within the defined corridor.
What is the difference between Class C and Class D airspace?
• Class C: Requires two-way radio communication, Mode C transponder, and ADS-B Out. It surrounds busier airports with a control tower and radar services.
• Class D: Requires only two-way radio communication and surrounds airports with a control tower but no radar approach control.
