Airspace

FL 600 Class A 18,000' MSL Class B 14,500' MSL Class E 1,200' 1,200' Class C 1,200' AGL AGL AGL Nontowered Class G N ai o rp n o to rt w w er it e h d A 70 G 0 L ' A 70 G 0 L ' A 70 G 0 L ' Class D a n i o r p in o s rt t r w u i m th e nt instrument approach approach Class G Class G Class G Figure 15-1. Airspace profile. Controlled Airspace Class C Airspace Class C airspace is generally airspace from the surface to Controlled airspace is a generic term that covers the 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) different classifications of airspace and defined dimensions surrounding those airports that have an operational control within which air traffic control (ATC) service is provided tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and have a in accordance with the airspace classification. Controlled certain number of IFR operations or passenger enplanements. airspace consists of: Although the configuration of each Class C area is • Class A individually tailored, the airspace usually consists of a surface • Class B area with a five NM radius, an outer circle with a ten NM radius that extends from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above the • Class C airport elevation. Each aircraft must establish two-way radio • Class D communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic • Class E services prior to entering the airspace and thereafter must maintain those communications while within the airspace. Class A Airspace Class A airspace is generally the airspace from 18,000 feet Class D Airspace mean sea level (MSL) up to and including flight level (FL) Class D airspace is generally airspace from the surface to 600, including the airspace overlying the waters within 12 2,500 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) nautical miles (NM) of the coast of the 48 contiguous states surrounding those airports that have an operational control and Alaska. Unless otherwise authorized, all operation in Class tower. The configuration of each Class D airspace area is A airspace is conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR). individually tailored and, when instrument procedures are published, the airspace is normally designed to contain the Class B Airspace procedures. Arrival extensions for instrument approach Class B airspace is generally airspace from the surface to procedures (IAPs) may be Class D or Class E airspace. Unless 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the nation’s busiest airports in otherwise authorized, each aircraft must establish two-way terms of airport operations or passenger enplanements. The radio communications with the ATC facility providing air configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually traffic services prior to entering the airspace and thereafter tailored, consists of a surface area and two or more layers maintain those communications while in the airspace. (some Class B airspace areas resemble upside-down wedding cakes), and is designed to contain all published instrument Class E Airspace procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace. ATC Class E airspace is the controlled airspace not classified as clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in the area, Class A, B, C, or D airspace. A large amount of the airspace and all aircraft that are so cleared receive separation services over the United States is designated as Class E airspace. within the airspace. 15-2