Airspace

Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person Unmanned Free Balloons may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate having an operational control tower unless two-way radio an unmanned free balloon below 2,000 feet above the surface communications are maintained between that aircraft and the within the lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D, control tower. Communications must be established within or Class E airspace designated for an airport. (See 14 CFR four nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 part 101.) feet AGL. However, if the aircraft radio fails in flight, the PIC may operate that aircraft and land if weather conditions are at Unmanned Aircraft Systems or above basic VFR weather minimums, visual contact with Regulations regarding unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are the tower is maintained, and a clearance to land is received. currently being developed and are expected to be published by summer 2016 as 14 CFR part 107. If the aircraft radio fails in flight under IFR, the pilot should continue the flight by the route assigned in the last ATC Parachute Jumps clearance received; or, if being radar vectored, by the direct No person may make a parachute jump, and no PIC may route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway allow a parachute jump to be made from an aircraft, in or specified in the vector clearance. In the absence of an assigned into Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace without, route, the pilot should continue by the route that ATC advised or in violation of, the terms of an ATC authorization issued may be expected in a further clearance; or, if a route had not by the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the airspace. been advised, by the route filed in the flight plan. (See 14 CFR part 105.) Uncontrolled Airspace Chapter Summary It is possible for some airports within Class G airspace to have a control tower (Lake City, FL, for example). Be sure to This chapter introduces the various classifications of airspace check the Chart Supplement U.S. (formerly Airport/Facility and provides information on the requirements to operate in Directory) to be familiar with the airport and associated such airspace. For further information, consult the AIM and airspace prior to flight. 14 CFR parts 71, 73, and 91. Ultralight Vehicles No person may operate an ultralight vehicle within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from the ATC facility having jurisdiction over that airspace. (See 14 CFR part 103.) 15-11