Airspace Flashcards
Airspace Flashcards
Airspace Flashcards
www.asf.org
www.asf.org
Question: What if the controller puts me on a heading that will take me into the airspace, but doesnt actually tell me that Im cleared into the airspace? Answer: You need to hear the words
cleared into the Class B airspace, or equivalent. If you dont, be sure to ask the controller before you enter the airspace. For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Class B Airspace
Ref. FAR 91.131 and AIM 3-2-3
Description
Mode C veils exist within 30 nm of most Class B airports. (A list of these airports is available in FAR 91, Appendix D, Section 1) In some cases, Class B airspace extends beyond the Mode C veil
Description
Surrounds certain large airports Multiple segments with different ceiling/floor altitudes. - Example: 70/30 = ceiling 7,000 msl, floor 3,000 msl
Requirements/Limitations
ATC clearance and establish two-way communication prior to entering Maintain two-way communication within Class B airspace Mode C transponder (inside the Mode C veil) Visibility: Three statute miles Cloud clearance: Clear of clouds Student pilot operations restricted
Requirements/Limitations
Mode C transponder Certain exemptions apply. Refer to FAR 91.215
VFR Flyways
Ref. AIM 3-5-5
Question: Will a VFR flyway take you into Class B airspace? Answer: No. VFR flyways route you
around Class B airspace. Remember, though, that they may take you through other areas with their own requirements (Class D airspace, for example). For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Description
A general flight path that helps pilots plan flights into, out of, through, or near complex terminal airspace to avoid Class B airspace ATC clearance not required
Description
Used by ATC to route VFR traffic through Class B airspace Depicted on terminal area charts
Answer: On initial contact, notify ATC of your position, altitude, desired route name, and direction of flight.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Requirements/Limitations
Mode C transponder Pilot must still comply with requirements for other airspace entered Depicted on the back of terminal area charts
Requirements/Limitations
ATC clearance Mode C transponder Adherence to published route and ATC instructions
Class C Airspace
Ref. FAR 91.130 and AIM 3-2-4
IFR Routes
Ref: NACO Aeronautical Chart Users Guide
Description
Surrounds certain medium-sized airports Typically 10 nm radius Generally includes two segments: - 5 nm radius core from surface to 4,000 agl - 10 nm radius shelf from 1,200 to 4,000 agl
Description
Only depicted on VFR terminal area charts Shows arrival and departure routes and altitudes of IFR traffic into and out of the terminal area of Class B airspace
Answer: The IFR routes depicted on the VFR terminal area charts should alert VFR pilots operating in terminal areas of arriving or departing IFR traffic. Maintain extra vigilance when flying through or near these routes.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Requirements/Limitations
Not applicable
Requirements/Limitations
Establish and maintain two-way communication prior to entering Mode C transponder Visibility: Three statute miles Cloud clearance: - 500 feet below - 1,000 feet above - 2,000 feet horizontal
Class D Airspace
Ref. FAR 91.129 and AIM 3-2-5
Description
Surrounds smaller towered airports Typically 4 nm radius Ceiling generally 2,500 agl Usually reverts to a Class E surface area when the tower is closed May include Class E surface area extensions
Requirements/Limitations
Pilots are not required to participate Transponder and two-way communication for participating aircraft Rules for Class D airspace within apply regardless of pilot participation with TRSA radar services
the previous (pre-1993) airspace classification system. As a general rule, they exist at airports where traffic load requires enhanced radar service, but that arent busy enough to justify Class C airspace. For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Answer: Yes. Below 2,500 agl and within four nautical miles of the primary airport, aircraft are limited to 200 knots indicated airspeed.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Requirements/Limitations
Establish and maintain two-way communication Visibility: Three statute miles Cloud clearance: - 500 feet below - 1,000 feet above - 2,000 feet horizontal
Question: Are Class E surface areas always depicted with a dashed magenta line? Answer: No. When the tower ar a Class D airport is closed, the airspacewhich is depicted with a dashed blue linemay revert to a Class E surface area.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Answer: Class E transition areas exist to help IFR traffic transition to or from the terminal or en route environment.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Description
Around some airports, Class E airspace begins at the surface, rather than the normal 700 or 1,200 agl Class D airports with part-time towers usually become Class E surface areas when the tower is not in operation
Description
Surrounds many nontowered airports Extends Class E airspace downward to accommodate IFR procedures
Requirements/Limitations
Below 10,000 msl: Visibility: Three statute miles Cloud clearance: - 500 feet below - 1,000 feet above - 2,000 feet horizontal
Requirements/Limitations
Below 10,000 msl: Visibility: Three statute miles Cloud clearance: - 500 feet below - 1,000 feet above - 2,000 feet horizontal
Question: Where am I likely to encounter differences in Class E airspace depicted by this symbol? Answer: Typically in areas of high terrain (the Grand Canyon, for example), and off the east and west coasts of the United States.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
maintain a minimum altitude of 2,000 agl whenever possible. This can also help you avoid bird strikes at low altitudes. For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Description
Identifies different floor levels of airspace greater than 700 feet agl When the ceiling is less than 18,000 msl, the value, prefixed by the word ceiling, will be shown along the limits of the airspace boundaries
Requirements/Limitations
Pilots are requested to avoid flight below 2,000 agl in these areas
Requirements/Limitations
Not Applicable
Restricted Area
Ref. AIM 3-4-3
Question: May I legally fly through an inactive restricted area? Answer: Yes, but you should be certain to contact the controlling ATC facility for current status before entering the airspace.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Prohibited Area
Ref. AIM 3-4-2
Description
Separates civilian traffic from potentially hazardous military activities
Description
Established for security reasons - Example: Camp David (P-40) in Maryland
Requirements/Limitations
VFR flight through an active restricted area is not permitted without prior permission Check with the controlling ATC facility (noted on sectional charts) for current status prior to entering
Answer: You should steer well clear of prohibited areas. Allow at least a few miles to account for navigation error and variances between GPS and ATC radar positions.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Requirements/Limitations
Flight within a prohibited area is not permitted
Alert Area
Ref. AIM 3-4-6
Question: Do I need to contact ATC prior to entering an alert area? Answer: No. ATC contact/clearance
is not required to enter an alert area. For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Warning Area
Ref. AIM 3-4-4
Question: Am I required to contact ATC before entering a warning area? Answer: No, but you should contact the controlling ATC facility for status information prior to entry. Active warning areas can be dangerous to general aviation aircraft.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Description
Established in areas with a high volume of pilot training or unusual type of aerial activity
Description
Extends outward from 3 nm off the coast Warns pilots of potentially hazardous activities
Requirements/Limitations
Pilots are advised to be particularly vigilant in scanning for traffic
Requirements/Limitations
VFR flight through active warning areas is permitted, though not recommended
Description
MTRs prefixed with the letters IR are for IFR flights MTRs prefixed with the letters VR are for VFR flights MTRs with a letter suffix (i.e., A, B, etc.) denote an alternate route MTRs with four numbers denote routes flown at 1,500 agl and below MTRs with three numbers denote routes with at least one segment above 1,500 agl
Description
Established to allow military training activities
Requirements/Limitations
VFR pilots may fly through active MOAs, but are advised to exercise extreme caution Pilots should check with the controlling ATC facility (noted on sectional charts) for MOA status prior to entering an MOA
Requirements/Limitations
Not Applicable, extreme vigilance recommended 2009 AOPA Air Safety Foundation www.asf.org 2009 AOPA Air Safety Foundation www.asf.org
Description
Established around areas requiring special security precautions
Description
Depicts airspace subject to special regulation - Examples: Grand Canyon, Washington, D.C. area
Answer: NSAs can be established anywhere a need for greater security exists, but are most often seen around government/military installations.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Requirements/Limitations
Pilots are requested to avoid flight below a specified altitude within the NSA Flight may be temporarily restricted or prohibited by notam
Requirements/Limitations
As specified by SFAR For operating rules, refer to the chart legend or the SFAR section at the beginning of FAR Part 91 2009 AOPA Air Safety Foundation www.asf.org
Description
30 nm radius of the DCA VOR/DME Speed restriction ring 30 to 60 nm radius of the DCA VOR/DME Surface up to 17,999 msl
Description
13 -15 nm radius of DCA VOR/DME Surface up to 17,999 msl
Answer: No. You need a specific clearance to enter the Class B airspace.
For more information, take ASFs Know Before You Go online course at www.asf.org/kbyg.
Requirements/Limitations
General aviation flights are prohibited with limited exceptions Refer to www.aopa.org/security for additional information
Requirements/Limitations
Active IFR or D.C. SFRA flight plan Two-way radio communication Discrete transponder code (Mode C) Enter and exit via specific gates 180 KIAS or less in the D.C. SFRA, if able 230 KIAS or less in the 30 to 60 nm speed restriction ring, if able Refer to www.aopa.org/security for additional information Before operating within 60 nm of the D.C. SFRA, pilots must complete FAAs online training course
Question: How much notice is given prior to the establishment of a TFR? Answer: In some cases, TFRs are established with little or no notice. Get a thorough Flight Service or DUATS briefing just prior to flight and call for updates when airborne. AOPA members can use the AOPA Internet Flight Planner (AIFP) to plan routes around current and upcoming TFRs.
Access the AIFP online at www.aopa.org/aifp. Obtain notams online at www,aopa.org/whatsnew/notams
Description
Surrounds the nations eastern, southern, and western borders
Requirements/Limitations
IFR or DVFR (Defense VFR) flight plan Discrete transponder code (Mode C) DVFR aircraft must make position reports prior to entering Two-way radio communication 12 N-numbers
Answer: A normal VFR flight plan is not transmitted to ATC: It exists for search-and-rescue purposes only. A DVFR (Defense VFR) flight plan is transmitted to ATC, letting controllers know that the aircraft will be approaching an ADIZ under VFR.
Description
Most TFRs are not charted, although some longer-term TFRs are
Requirements/Limitations
As specified by notam