Different Airspace Types for Varying Operational Need
In the US, airspace is categorized into different types, each with specific regulations and requirements. As you see in the FAA graphic above, there is Class A, B, C, D, E and G airspace.
Each airspace type comes with its own set requirements and regulatory laws. If you’re flying your sUAS anywhere near or within these airspaces, you absolutely need to know what is required, or not allowed, not just for your own safety but for the safety of those flying in the air near you.
Below are the key factors that will change depending on the airspace you’re flying in.
1. Controlled (Towered) Airspace vs. Uncontrolled (Untowered) Airspace
- Airspace is broadly categorized into controlled (towered) and uncontrolled (untowered) types, each with distinct regulations. The biggest distinction here is controlled airspace involves Air Traffic Control (ATC) oversight, where pilots must get permission to enter and follow specific instructions. Uncontrolled airspace lacks ATC supervision, allowing pilots to operate independently without needing prior clearance.
2. Communication Requirements
- Communication requirements vary depending on the airspace type, ranging from strict rules in Class B airspace to minimal requirements in Class G airspace. For example, pilots of both manned and unmanned aircraft must obtain ATC authorization before entering Class B airspace, which surrounds busy international airports.
2. Specialized Equipment Requirements
- Aircraft may require specific equipment to operate in certain airspaces so ATC is able to track aircraft position and altitude accurately. In these airspaces, aircraft must be equipped with a Mode C transponder (altitude reporting) and, in many cases, a ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) equipment.
4. Airspace Surface / Ceiling Elevation Figures
- Some airspaces start at the surface and extend to a certain altitude, giving it a ceiling, while others begin at higher altitudes and extend upwards to connect with other airspace. For instance, you may have class E airspace up to 700 feet AGL as its ceiling, which then becomes class G airspace beyond that point.
- Note: All recreational drone pilots must remain below the lowest level of Class E airspace, given that the maximum altitude you can fly your UA is 400 feet AGL.
Class B Airspace
Class B airspace is the most restrictive type of controlled airspace, typically surrounding the busiest airports in the U.S. It is identified by a solid blue line on sectional charts.
Here are the factors that define Class B airspace:
1. Control Tower Present: YES
- Class B is a towered airspace surrounding major airports with extensive Air Traffic Control services, managing aircraft operations within this airspace and provides separation between aircraft.
2. Communication with ATC Required: YES
- Pilots must obtain clearance from ATC before entering Class B airspace and maintain communication while within it.
3. Specialized Equipment Required: YES
- Transponder: Aircraft must be equipped with a Mode C transponder (which provides altitude information).
- ADS-B: Aircraft must be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) Out.
- Class B airspace usually extends vertically from the ground surface up to 10,000 feet MSL.
- Think of Class B airspace like a tiered cone. The core area of Class B airspace is roughly a circular area around the airport, extending 10NM out in all directions. This core section extends from the surface to the highest altitude of the airspace. Surrounding the core area, starting higher up, are several concentric rings, or shelves, that extend outward and upward, creating a tiered, stepped structure.
- The lowest shelf, which is the smallest, extends 10 nautical miles outward from the center, and starts at the surface.
- The second, middle shelf, extends 20 nautical miles out from the center.
- The final, upper shelf extends 30 nautical miles out from the center. Add a class B graphic using same format as you did for class c graphic.
Class C Airspace
typo in graphic below, change 5 natural miles to nautical. Also, it is NM radius, not diameter, so both of these need to change to show that distance is from the center point to the outside, not all the way across. I have confirmed this.
Class C airspace is a type of controlled airspace surrounding airports in mid-size cities, where air traffic control (ATC) services are provided to manage a high volume of traffic.
Here are the factors that define Class C airspace:
1. Control Tower Present: YES
- Class C airspace is found around airports with an operating control tower The tower manages aircraft operations within this airspace and provides separation between aircraft.
2. Communication with ATC Required: YES
- Pilots must obtain clearance from ATC before entering Class C airspace and maintain communication while within it.
3. Specialized Equipment Required: YES
- Transponder: Aircraft must be equipped with a Mode C transponder (which provides altitude information).
- ADS-B: Aircraft must be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) Out.
- Class C airspace is structured like a tiered cone with two key areas:
- Inner Core: The inner core section of Class C airspace extends vertically from the ground up to 1,200 feet AGL, and has a radius of 5 nautical miles.
- Outer Shelf: The outer shelf starts at 1,200 feet AGL and goes up to 4,000 feet AGL. It has a radius of 10 nautical miles. I rewrote these
Class C airspace is depicted on sectional charts with a solid magenta line. It typically has a cylindrical shape around the airport, but the exact boundaries are tailored to the airport’s operational needs.
Class D Airspace
change surface : floor to just surface
Class D airspace surrounds airports that have a control tower but do not have the extensive services of larger airports with Class B or Class C airspace. The control tower manages aircraft operations within this airspace. Delete this intro? It’s repeated in #1 below.
Here are the factors that define Class D airspace:
1. Control Tower Present: YES
- Class D airspace surrounds airports that have a control tower but do not have the extensive services of larger airports with Class B or Class C airspace. The control tower manages aircraft operations within this airspace.
2. Communication with ATC Required: YES
- Pilots must establish two-way radio communication with the control tower before entering Class D airspace and maintain communication while within it.
3. Specialized Equipment Required: NO
- Altitude transponder and ADS-B are not mandatory but may be recommended depending on local regulations and airspace setup.
- Class D airspace usually extends from the surface up to 2,500 feet AGL.
- Class D is cylindrical shaped, with a radius of around 4-5 nautical miles.
- Transition to Other Airspace: Above Class D airspace, it typically transitions to Class E airspace starting at 2,500 feet AGL or higher, depending on the specific location and chart depiction.
Class D airspace is depicted on sectional charts with a blue dashed line. It typically has a cylindrical shape around the airport, but the exact boundaries are tailored to the airport’s operational needs.
Class E Airspace
Here are the factors that define Class E airspace:
1. Control Tower Present: NO
- Class E airspace surrounds airports that may or may not have a control tower. Unlike Class B or Class C airspace, it does not always have extensive ATC services, therefore, aircraft operations within Class E airspace are not managed by a control tower but follow general airspace regulations.
2. Communication with ATC Required: NO
- Pilots are not required to establish two-way radio communication with ATC when flying in Class E airspace, unless operating in controlled airspace associated with an airport where ATC services are provided.
3. Specialized Equipment Required: NO
- No specific requirements for Altimeter Transponders or ADS-B
R4: Surface / Ceiling + Identifiers:
While Class E Airspace can be broken down into 7 sub-categories, these are the 3 that you need to be familiar with for the Part 107 exam.
- Class E Starting at the Surface:
- This type is depicted on charts with dashed magenta lines and includes areas where Class E airspace extends from the surface up to 700 feet AGL.
- Class E Starting at 700 Feet AGL:
- Shaded magenta lines indicate Class E airspace beginning at 700 feet AGL, with Class G airspace extending from the surface up to this altitude. maybe leave out the mention of Class G in this sentence?
- Class E Starting at 1,200 Feet AGL:
- Beyond the shaded magenta border Class E airspace starts at 1,200 feet AGL. It typically extends up to 18,000 feet MSL, which is where Class A airspace starts.
Class E Airspace Example: Jamestown
Jamestown Regional Airport (JMS) is situated within two types of Class E airspace.
The area closest to the airport is marked by a dashed magenta line, indicating that Class E airspace starts at the surface and extends up to 700 feet.
Beyond this, the shaded magenta line marks where Class E airspace begins at 700 feet, with Class G airspace occupying the space from the surface up to 700 feet, excluding the dashed magenta zone. delete this part of the sentence?
Class G Airspace
Class G airspace, also known as uncontrolled airspace, is the portion of airspace that is not under the jurisdiction of Air Traffic Control (ATC) services.
Here are the factors that define Class G airspace:
No Control Tower:
- Lack of ATC Services: Pilots operate in Class G airspace without direct ATC services, meaning they do not receive traffic separation or control instructions from ATC.
Altitudes:
- Below 1,200 Feet AGL: Class G airspace extends from the surface up to 1,200 feet above ground level.
- Above 1,200 Feet AGL: Class G airspace may extend up to 14,500 feet MSL, where it transitions into higher controlled airspace.
- Airspace Transition: Class G airspace typically transitions to Class E or Class A airspace as you climb higher, and the specifics of this transition are depicted on sectional charts.
Airspace Designations:
- Class G airspace often surrounds airports with no control towers and may be located between layers of controlled airspace. It can also be present in more remote areas where minimal air traffic is expected.
Class G Airspace Example:
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Class:
- Color Code on Sectional Chart
- FAA Authorization
- Two-Way Radio
- Altitude Survey
B
- Solid blue
- Required
- Required
- Required
C
- Solid Magenta
- Required
- Required
- Required
D
- Dashed Blue
- Required
- Required
- Not Required
E
- Shaded or Dashed Magenta
- Not Required
- Not Required
- Not Required
G
- None
- Not Required
- Not Required
- Not Required
Practice Quiz
