The Airspace Classes

Class A through G: dimensions, entry requirements, and equipment.

15 min read · Regulations: FAR and AIM

After this lesson you can

  • Name the dimensions and entry requirement of each of the six airspace classes.
  • Distinguish the radio phraseology that authorizes entry into Class B from that of Class C and D.
  • Explain why Class G minimums are more permissive than Class E, and where the line falls.
  • Identify the main types of special use airspace and how each restricts a VFR flight.

United States airspace is divided into six classes, A through G. The letter encodes both the level of service air traffic control provides and the level of requirement placed on the pilot: the more service is provided, the stricter the entry conditions.

The system looks complicated on a chart, but it follows one idea throughout: protect traffic where it is concentrated, near the busiest airports and above 18,000 ft, and leave more freedom everywhere else.

The rest of this lesson

  1. 1.The six classes, at a glance
  2. 2.What "contact established" actually means
  3. 3.Class E and Class G
  4. 4.Airspace with no letter: TRSAs and other areas
  5. 5.Special use airspace
  6. 6.Security airspace: the SFRA, the ADIZ, national security areas, and the TFR

These 6 sections, their figures, the checks along the way and the end-of-lesson quiz come with the PPL track. Paid once, yours for good.

See what the PPL track costsEvery module 1 is free to read, no account, no card.

Key terms

Try to recall each definition before turning the card.