Airspace Classes
PPL ACS 1E FAR 91.126 - 91.135
AIM — PHAK — IFH 1-2
IFH Figure 1-1
Class A 'Above Everything'
FAR 71.33
Area
FL180 - FL600 'MSL
12 NM from contiguous coast
Pilot Qualifications
Instrument rated
Entry Requirements
ATC clearance
Equipment Requirements
IFR equipped
Class B 'Busy'
Tower ensures aircraft separation
Contains published instrument procedures
Area
Usually SFC - 10,000' MSL, tiered shelves
MSL altitude per sector in blue ceiling/floor
Sectional
Solid blue line
Pilot Qualifications
Student Pilot with solo endorsement
Entry Requirements
ATC Clearance "cleared into bravo airspace"
Equipment Requirements
Mode C transponder, ADS-B out
Two-way communication
Class C 'Controlled'
Tower ensures aircraft separation
Contains published instrument procedures
Area
MSA altitude per sector in magenta ceiling/floor
0' - 1,200' AGL 5 NM radius
1,200' - 4,000' AGL 10 NM radius
Sectional
Solid magenta line
Pilot Qualifications
Student Pilot with solo endorsment
Entry Requirements
2 way radio communication
established with callsign
Equipment Requirements
Mode C transponder, ADS-B out
2 way communication
Class D 'Do talk to them'
Tower ensures aircraft separation
Contains published instrument procedures
Area
Usually SFC - 2,500' AGL, 4 NM radius
Sectional
Dashed blue circle
Arrival extensions Class D/E airspace
Pilot Qualifications
Student Pilot with solo endorsement
Entry Requirements
2 way radio communication
established with call sign
Equipment Requirements
2 way radio communication
Class E 'Everything Else'
FAR 71.71
Contains Federal Airways 700' or 1,200' AGL
Area SFC - 17,999' MSL
Sectional Dashed magenta
Area 700' AGL - 17,999' MSL
Sectional Faded magenta
Area 1,200' AGL - 17,999' MSL
Sectional Faded blue
Area 14,500' - 17,999' MSL
12 NM from U.S. coast
Above FL600
Pilot Qualifications
Student Pilot with solo endorsement
Entry Requirements
None
Equipment Requirements
Mode C transponder, ADS-B out above 10,000' MSL
Class G 'Ground'
Uncontrolled airspace
Area
Less than 1,200' AGL below Class E
Pilot Qualifications
Student Pilot with solo endorsement
Entry Requirements
None
Aircraft Requirements
None