E. National Airspace System Flashcards
Class G VFR minimums
At or above 10,000’ MSL and 1,200’ AGL:
- 5 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 1,000’ below
- 1 sm horizontal
Below 10,000’ MSL and above 1,200’ AGL Day: - 1 sm - 1,000' above - 500' below - 2,000' horizontal Night: - 3 sm - 1,000' above - 500' below - 2,000' horizontal
1,200’ AGL to surface Day: - 1sm - clear of clouds Night: - 3 sm - 1,000' above - 500' below - 2,000' horizontal
Class G Characteristics
Uncontrolled airspace
Surface to 1,200’ AGL
Surface to 14,500’ MSL
14,500 MSL or 1500’ AGL
Class E Characteristics
Above FL600 Below 18,000’ MSL to 1,200 AGL Down to 700’ AGL: - For IFR approaches Down to surface: - Busy non-towered airports
Class E VFR minimums
At or above 10,000’ MSL:
- 5 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 1,000’ below
- 1 sm horizontal
Below 10,000’ MSL to lowest extremities (1,200’, 700’, surface):
- 3 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 500’ below
- 2,000’ horizontal
Class D Characteristics
Small towered airports Single cylinder: - Surface to 2,500’ AGL (average) - Custom radius (4nm average) Entry requirements: - Must have 2 way radio - Must establish radio communications
Class D VFR minimums
- 3 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 500’ below
- 2,000’ horizontal
Class C VFR minimums
- 3 sm
- 1,000’ above
- 500’ below
- 2,000’ horizontal
Class C Characteristics
Large towered airports Two layer inverted cake: - Core - Surface to 4,000’ AGL - 5nm radius - Shelf - Between 1,200’ AGL and 4,000’ AGL - 10nm radius - 20nm outer area (marks radar coverage) Entry requirements: - 2 way radio and Mode C transponder - Mode C transponder required to overfly Class C - Must establish radio communications
Class B Characteristics
Busiest airports Custom built inverted layer cake: - Design incorporates all IFR approaches - 30nm Mode C veil - Mode C transponder required within veil Entry requirements: - 2 way radio and Mode C transponder - Must obtain ATC clearance before entry - Must hold Private Pilot certificate or have specific student endorsement
Class B VFR minimums
- 3 sm visibility
- Clear of clouds
- ATC maintains separation of all aircraft so distance from clouds minimums are below the standard
Class A Characteristics
18,000’ MSL to 60,000’ MSL Flight levels: - Flown at pressure altitude not true altitude Entry requirements: - IFR rating - IFR flight plan and clearance - Above FL240 DME required
Class A VFR minimums
IFR only!
What are the special use airspaces? (MCPRAWNTTS)
Military op. areas Controlled firing area Prohibited areas Restricted areas Alert Warning National security areas TFR (temporary flight restrictions) TRSA (terminal Radar Service Area) SFRA (Special Flight Rules Area)
Military Operations Areas
No restrictions
Avoid when possible
Check hours of operations (check your chart)
Exercise extreme caution when MOA is active
Controlled Firing Areas
Not marked on charts
Activities are ceased when aircraft approach area
Prohibited areas
Must obtain permission from controlling agency before entering. (Don’t)
Restricted areas
Often have hazards to flight.
Must obtain permission from controlling agency before entering. (Don’t try)
Alert areas
Areas of unusual aeronautical activity:
- Gliders, skydivers, helicopter or training operations
Use extra caution
Warning areas
Hazardous airspace extending 3nm off the coast.
Use extra caution
National Security Areas
Locations with increased security for ground facilities
Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid
Often also Restricted Areas
Temporary Flight Restrictions
Issued by NOTAM, do not enter
Protect persons or property on the ground
Prevent unsafe congestion of aircraft over area of high public interest
Examples: Toxic spills, volcanic eruptions, nuclear incidents, hijackings, forest fires
Terminal Radar Services Area
Consists of areas around especially busy class D airports where ATC provides traffic separation with the use of radar.
Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA)
Pilots must obtain an advanced clearance from FAA air traffic control to fly within, into, or out of the SFRA.
Note: The Washington, DC Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) is an area of airspace where the ready identification, location, and control of aircraft is required in the interests of national security.
