Airspace

This provides sufficient airspace for the safe control and Prohibited Areas separation of aircraft during IFR operations. Chapter 3 of Prohibited areas contain airspace of defined dimensions the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) explains the within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited. Such areas various types of Class E airspace. are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare. These areas are published in the Federal Sectional and other charts depict all locations of Class E Register and are depicted on aeronautical charts. The area is airspace with bases below 14,500 feet MSL. In areas where charted as a “P” followed by a number (e.g., P-40). Examples charts do not depict a class E base, class E begins at 14,500 of prohibited areas include Camp David and the National feet MSL. Mall in Washington, D.C., where the White House and the Congressional buildings are located. [Figure 15-2] In most areas, the Class E airspace base is 1,200 feet AGL. In many other areas, the Class E airspace base is either the surface Restricted Areas or 700 feet AGL. Some Class E airspace begins at an MSL Restricted areas are areas where operations are hazardous to altitude depicted on the charts, instead of an AGL altitude. nonparticipating aircraft and contain airspace within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject Class E airspace typically extends up to, but not including, to restrictions. Activities within these areas must be confined 18,000 feet MSL (the lower limit of Class A airspace). All because of their nature, or limitations may be imposed upon airspace above FL 600 is Class E airspace. aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities, or both. Restricted areas denote the existence of unusual, often Uncontrolled Airspace invisible, hazards to aircraft (e.g., artillery firing, aerial Class G Airspace gunnery, or guided missiles). IFR flights may be authorized Uncontrolled airspace or Class G airspace is the portion of to transit the airspace and are routed accordingly. Penetration the airspace that has not been designated as Class A, B, C, of restricted areas without authorization from the using D, or E. It is therefore designated uncontrolled airspace. or controlling agency may be extremely hazardous to the Class G airspace extends from the surface to the base of the aircraft and its occupants. ATC facilities apply the following overlying Class E airspace. Although ATC has no authority procedures when aircraft are operating on an IFR clearance or responsibility to control air traffic, pilots should remember (including those cleared by ATC to maintain VFR on top) via there are visual flight rules (VFR) minimums that apply to a route that lies within joint-use restricted airspace: Class G airspace. 1. If the restricted area is not active and has been released to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Special Use Airspace ATC facility allows the aircraft to operate in the Special use airspace or special area of operation (SAO) restricted airspace without issuing specific clearance is the designation for airspace in which certain activities for it to do so. must be confined, or where limitations may be imposed 2. If the restricted area is active and has not been released on aircraft operations that are not part of those activities. to the FAA, the ATC facility issues a clearance that Certain special use airspace areas can create limitations on ensures the aircraft avoids the restricted airspace. the mixed use of airspace. The special use airspace depicted on instrument charts includes the area name or number, effective altitude, time and weather conditions of operation, the controlling agency, and the chart panel location. On National Aeronautical Charting Group (NACG) en route charts, this information is available on one of the end panels. Special use airspace usually consists of: • Prohibited areas • Restricted areas • Warning areas • Military operation areas (MOAs) • Alert areas Figure 15-2. An example of a prohibited area, P-40 around Camp • Controlled firing areas (CFAs) David. 15-3