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Airspace - Know Your ABC's |
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As of September 16th, 1993, the new airspace became
effective. However, even today for the most up-to-date pilot, the airspace
can be difficult to understand or even remember. Aviation Communication will
help you in knowing your ABC's.
CLASS "A" AIRSPACE:
What used to be Positive Controlled Airspace (PCA) is now called Class A
airspace. This airspace ranges from 18,000 to FL600.
All operation in this airspace must be under instrument flight rules and are
subject to air traffic control clearances and instructions. (You must file
and fly an IFR flight plan) At altitudes between 18,000 and FL450, jet
routes and high routes will be classified as Class A airspace.
CLASS "B" AIRSPACE:
What used to be called Terminal Controlled Airspace (TCA) is now called
Class B airspace. The rules for this airspace have changed slightly. Pilots
must maintain "clear of clouds" with three miles visibility. Pilots must be
"cleared" to enter class B airspace, have two-way radio communication and
mode C transponders.
CLASS "C" AIRSPACE:
What used to be called Airport Radar Surveillance Area (ARSA) is now called
Class C airspace. There were no changes made to to the operating and
equipment rules for the Class C airspace. Cloud requirements are 500' below,
1000' above, and 2000' horizontal. Visibility is 3 miles. Pilots must have
two-way radio communication and mode C transponders to enter class C
airspace.
CLASS "D" AIRSPACE:
Airports that are not associated with Class B or C airspace have become
class D airspace. These are control zones (CZ) with operating control towers
and airport traffic areas (ATA). A segmented blue line depicts class D
airspace on sectional and world aeronautical charts. The ceiling of Class D
airspace is 2500 AGL (charted in MSL), and the lateral dimension are
dependent upon the instrument approaches at that airport. Two-way radio
communication is required. Cloud and visibility clearance is 3 miles, with
500' below, 1000' above, and 2000' horizontal. Pilots must have two-way
radio communication to enter class D airspace.
CLASS "E" AIRSPACE:
Class E airspace includes all federal airways, continental control areas,
control area extensions, control zones at airports without control towers,
transition areas, and area low routes. On the sectional charts, Class E
airspace around airports without control towers is depicted with a segmented
magenta line. The floor of the Class E airspace is 700 AGL, 1200 AGL, 1500
AGL, or 14,500 AGL, whichever applies. Cloud and visibility clearances are 3
miles, with 500' below, 1000' above, and 2000' horizontal.
CLASS "G" AIRSPACE:
Class G airspace is all uncontrolled airspace. The vertical limits for this
airspace are 700 AGL, 1200 AGL, 1500 AGL, or 14,500 MSL, whichever applies.
Cloud and visibility clearances are 1 mile and clear of clouds. |
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