What is the purpose of Class E airspace transition from the en route to the terminal area of the IFR operations?

Airspace

A.      Categories of Airspace

1.      Two categories of airspace

·         Regulatory - Class A - E, restricted and prohibited areas, TFR’s

·         Non-Regulatory - MOA's warning areas, alert areas, and control firing areas.

·         All airspace extends to 12 nm off the coast.

2.      Within these two categories are four types:

·         Controlled:  ATC traffic separation and Radar services are available

Ø  Class A, Class B, and Class C, airspace

Ø  No VFR separation in Class D nor E, airspace (there is IFR separation)

Ø  Depending on class, different requirements for communication, equipment, and weather

Ø  Class B, C, D, and E are shown on a sectional

Ø  Class A airspace is not shown

(1) Class A is the most restrictive airspace, followed in order by Class B through E

·         Uncontrolled:  Uncontrolled airspace is Class G

Ø  ATC traffic separation services are not provided

·         Special Use

·         Other

3.      The categories and types of airspace are dictated by:

·         Complexity or density of aircraft movements

·         Nature of operations with in the airspace

·         Level of safety required

·         National or Public interest

B.       Class A Airspace

1.      Generally airspace begins at 18,000 ft. MSL and continues to FL 600

2.      Extends to 12 NM out from the coast

3.      Must be on an IFR flight plan

4.      ATC clearance required to enter

5.      Must have two way radio communication and must maintain two-way radio communication

6.      An IFR flight plan is required to fly in Class A airspace

7.      Required Equipment

·         ATC Transponder and altitude reporting equipment

·         ADS-B equipment (Required after 2020)

8.      “VFR on top” is not available in Class A 

9.      To be cleared into Class A

·         Have an instrument rating

·         Speed is limited to a maximum of M1.0 (§91.817) 

·         Class A is the most restrictive airspace

C.      Class B Airspace

1.      Class B airspace exists around large airports in metropolitan areas

·        

·         Other areas (shelves) start at higher altitudes based on that airspace

Ø  Some are tailored to specific need of area

·         There is also a Mode C veil that requires a Mode C transponder

Ø  It extends from the surface to 10,000 ft. MSL in a 30 nm-radius circle around the VOR

·         Indicated airspeed may not exceed 250kts in Class B airspace

Ø  200kts under each shelf and through VFR corridors

·         Operating Rules – Must have a Private Certificate

Ø  Must have an ATC clearance to enter, transit, or depart

Ø  Student pilots are not permitted in Class B unless they have received flight and ground instruction on that particular Class B airspace, and they have a logbook endorsement within the previous 90 days (§61.95a). 

Ø  There are several Class B areas, such as LAX and JFK, that never permit student pilots. 

Ø  Student pilots may land at the primary airport or any satellite airport within Class B airspace, but they must have received flight and ground training at those airports and have a logbook endorsement.

·         Large turbine aircraft Must operate at or above the floor of the Class B airspace area while going to or from the primary airport

·         Equipment Required 

Ø  Operable Two-way radio

Ø  Transponder with Mode C

Ø  VOR receiver for IFR flight

Ø  ADS-B (Required after 2020)

·         Class B airspace is depicted on Sectionals by solid blue rings

Ø  VFR Sectional scale 1:500,000

Ø  Terminal Area charts scale 1:250,000

2.      Visibility requirement

·         Visibility must be at least 3 sm for VFR flight, and you must remain clear of the clouds. 

3.      VFR Routes

·         Published VFR routes for transitioning around, under and through complex airspace such as Class B airspace were developed through a number of FAA and industry initiatives.

4.      VFR Flyways

·         A general flight path, for use by pilots in planning flights into, out of, through or near complex terminal airspace to avoid Class B airspace.

·         VFR Flyways are depicted on the reverse side of some of the VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC)

·         Designed to assist pilots in planning for flights under and around busy Class B airspace without entering Class B airspace.

·         ATC clearance is NOT required to fly these routes.

5.      VFR Corridors

·         A VFR corridor is defined as airspace through Class B airspace, with defined vertical and lateral boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or communication.

·         These corridors are, in effect, a "hole" through Class B airspace.

·         A corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface like a VFR Flyway.

Ø  Because of their finite lateral and vertical limits, and the volume of VFR traffic using a corridor, extreme caution and vigilance must be exercised

6.      Class B Airspace VFR Transition Routes:

·         To accommodate VFR traffic through certain Class B airspace, such as Seattle, Phoenix and Los Angeles, Class B Airspace VFR Transition Routes were developed.

Ø  They are defined as a specific flight course depicted on a TAC for transiting a specific Class B airspace.

Ø  These routes include specific ATC-assigned altitudes

Ø  Pilots must obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering Class B airspace on the route.

Ø  These routes are designed to show the pilot where to position the aircraft outside of, or clear of, the Class B airspace where an ATC clearance can normally be expected with minimal or no delay

Ø  Until ATC authorization is received, pilots must remain clear of Class B airspace

Ø  On initial contact, pilots should advise ATC of:

(1) Their position

(2) Altitude

(3) Route name desired

(4) Direction of flight.

(5) After a clearance is received, pilot must fly the route as depicted and, most importantly, adhere to ATC instructions.

D.      Class C Airspace

1.      Class C airspace surrounds moderately busy airports

·         These are airports that have an operational control tower

Ø  They are serviced by a radar approach control, and that have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger limits

Ø  The primary airport is that airport for which the Class C airspace is designated

(1) A satellite airport is any other airport within the Class C airspace.

2.      Dimensions

·         Surface area to 4000’ AGL (charted in MSL) out to 5 NM from airport

·         The outer area is that airspace extending from the lower limit of the radar coverage up to the ceiling of approach control’s airspace, extending in a 20-nm radius from the primary airport.

·         Outer area from 1200’ AGL (charted in MSL) from 5 NM to 10 NM out. These cylinders are centered on the primary airport(s) in the airspace.  From this basic shape, the airspace is individually tailored to each specific situation.

3.      Operating Rules

·         No pilot Certificate requirements

·         Establish Two-Way radio communication with ATC (tail number)

Ø  ATC acknowledges your aircraft by registration number

(1) If you hear “stand by” then you are not cleared

Ø  If departing from the primary airport, maintain two-way radio communication with the tower, and thereafter with ATC

Ø  If departing from a satellite airport without an operating control tower, establish and maintain two-way radio communication with ATC as soon as practicable after departing and maintain communications

·         Maintain Two-Way radio communication while operating in Class C

4.      Equipment Required

·         Two-Way Radios

·         Transponder with Mode C in and Above Class C airspace

·         ADS-B (Required after 2020)

5.      Aircraft speed

·         Aircraft must not exceed 250 kts in Class C, and a limit of 200 kts at altitudes under 2500 ft AGL.

Ø  Within 4 nm of the primary airport

6.      Notation on VFR Charts

·         Thick magenta lines

·         Altitude limits (MSL) are shown by pairs of numbers

·         Some of class “C and D” towers may be open part time

Ø  An asterisk by the “C or D” shows this in the blue dashed line

(1) That air space will revert to “E” or a combination of “E” and “G”

7.      Visibility requirement

·         Basic VFR weather minima apply:  at least 3 S.M. Visibility, and at least 500 ft. below, 1000 ft. above, and 2000 ft. horizontally from clouds. 

E.       Class D airspace

2.      Generally that airspace that is from the surface to 2500ftAGL (Charted in MSL) out 5sm (4.4nm)

·         They are tailored to the need of a specific area

3.      Extensions to Class D for instrument approaches will be part of the Class D airspace, unless any one of the extensions is more than 2 nm long, in which case all extensions become Class E

4.      Operating Rules

·         Establish two-way radio communication prior to entering the Class D airspace

·         Establish Radio communication as soon as practicable after departing a satellite airport within Class D

5.      Aircraft speeds

·         Flights at or below 2,500 feet AGL within 4 nm of the primary airport in Class D airspace may not exceed 200 knots

6.      Notations on VFR sectionals and terminal area charts

·         Thin dashed blue line. 

·         Any Class E extensions are indicated by a thin dashed magenta line

Ø  Meaning that Class E extends to the surface.

Ø  Some of class “D” towers may be open part time

(1) An asterisk by the “D” shows this in the blue dashed line

(2) That air space will revert to “E” or a combination of “E” and “G”

7.      Visibility requirements

·         The same weather minima apply in Class D as in Class C:  3 S.M. visibility, and 500 ft. below the clouds, 1,000 ft. above the clouds, and 2,000 ft. horizontally

F.       Class E airspace

1.      The last controlled airspace, and the least restrictive

·         It begins at 1,200 ft. AGL and extends upward to the floor of the underlying airspace, except where otherwise indicated.

2.      Dimensions

·         Unless otherwise depicted, exists from 14,500’ MSL to 17,999 MSL

1.      Charts

·         Class E airspace below 14,500 feet MSL is depicted on sectional

·         A wide magenta line on VFR sectional charts designates class E airspace when it begins at 700 ft. AGL. 

·         A wide blue line indicates that it begins at 1,200 ft. AGL. 

·         The zipper lines show floors of Class E at various other altitudes. 

·         Class E airspace around an airport is shown as a thin dashed magenta line when the airspace starts at the surface.

·          This is usually associated with an ILS approach at a non‑towered airport.

2.      Operation Rules

·         No clearance is required for Class E

·         There are no minimums for equipment or pilot certificates

·         Except above 10,000 ft. MSL a Mode C transponder is required 

3.      Visibility requirements

·         Below 10,000 ft. MSL,

Ø  It is 3 SM visibility, and 500 ft. below the clouds, 1,000 ft. above the clouds, and 2,000 ft. horizontally. 

·         Above 10,000 ft. MSL

Ø  5 SM visibility, and 1,000 ft. below, 1,000 ft. above, and 1 SM horizontally. 

                     Below 10,000 MSEL                                                          Above 10,000 MSL

G.     Types of Class E Airspace (SET VODA)

1.      Surface: area designated for an airport - When designated as a surface area for an airport, the airspace will be configured to contain all instrument procedures.

2.      Extension: to a surface area- Class E airspace areas that serve as extensions to Class B, Class C, and Class D surface areas designated for an airport.

·         Such airspace provides controlled airspace to contain standard instrument approach procedures without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating under VFR.

3.      Transition: There are Class E airspace areas beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet AGL used to transition to/from the terminal or en route environment.

4.      VOR Federal Airways: The Federal airways are Class E airspace areas and, unless otherwise specified, extend upward from 1,200 feet to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL. The colored airways are green, red, amber, and blue. The VOR airways are classified as Domestic, Alaskan, and Hawaiian.

5.      Offshore Airspace Areas: Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL and are designated as offshore airspace areas. 

·         These areas provide controlled airspace beyond 12 miles from the coast of the United States in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services and within which the U.S. is applying domestic procedures

6.      Domestic En Route Areas - Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude that provide controlled airspace in those areas where there's a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services but the Federal airway system is inadequate.

7.      All other airspace – starting at 14,500’ MSL up to 17,999’ MSL and FL600 and up.

H.     Class G airspace

1.      Everything that is not Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, special use, or other airspace. Although uncontrolled, very basic weather minima still apply during the day.

2.      Operation Rules

·         There are no certificate or equipment requirements for Class G airspace.

·         Rules governing VFR responsibility are to see and avoid other aircraft

3.      Visibility requirements

·         Below 1,200 ft. AGL and below 10,000 ft. MSL (day and night)

Ø  1sm c-o-c day

Ø  3sm 1-5-2 night

·         Above 1,200 ft. AGL and below 10,000 ft. MSL (day and night)

Ø  1sm 1-5-2 day

Ø  3sm 1-5-2 night

·         Above 10,000 ft. MSL (any time)

Ø  5sm 1-1-1sm

·         These minima notwithstanding, you must still remain 500 ft. from any person or structure (in sparsely populated areas). 

I.           Special Use Airspace

1.      Warning area

·         Warning areas extend from 3nm outward from the coast of the United States and contain activity that may be dangerous to non-participating aircraft.

·         They may be over domestic or international waters. 

·         Permission to fly in these areas in not required, but having a flight plan activated is advised.

·         On a sectional, warning areas are labeled with W and a three-digit number.

·         Warning areas are marked with a blue hatched.

Ø  The specifications of a warning area are listed in a table in blue lettering on the bottom of a sectional chart.

2.      Controlled Firing Area

·         Activities within a CFA could be hazardous to non-participating aircraft

·         Activities are suspended when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate that an aircraft may be approaching.

·         These are not charted because they do not cause a non-participating aircraft to change its flight path.

3.      Restricted Area

·         Airspace in which flight of aircraft is subject to restrictions.

Ø  Unusual hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles.

·         Permission to enter a restricted area may be obtained by the controlling agency.

·         On a sectional chart, restricted areas are labeled with R and a four-digit number.

Ø   Information about the controlling agency and the restricted area may be found at the bottom of the chart.

·         Restricted areas are marked with a blue hatched, just like a warning area

4.      Alert Area

·         Alert areas inform non-participating pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity. 

Ø  Pilots flying through these areas should be particularly vigilant for other aircraft.

·         Alert areas are marked with a solid blue line with blue tick marks on the inside, just like restricted and warning areas.

·         On a sectional, alert areas are labeled with an A and a three-digit number.

·         The specifications of an alert area are listed in a table in blue lettering on the bottom of a sectional.

5.      MOA (Military Operating Area)

·         MOAs are areas established to separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic.

·         Permission for VFR flights is not required, but when flying through these areas without authorization one should exercise extreme caution.

·         IFR flights will be cleared through or vectored around.

·         MOAs are marked with hatched and the MOA name.

·         The specifications of a MOA are listed in a table in magenta lettering on the bottom of a sectional.

6.      Prohibited Area

·         Aircraft are prohibited for national security welfare, such as the White House.

·         Labeled with P and a four-digit number

·         Marked with a solid blue line with blue tick marks on the inside, just like warning, alert, and restricted areas.

·         Specifications are listed in a table in blue lettering on the bottom of a sectional.

J.         Other airspace areas

1.      A general term referring to the majority of the remaining airspaces

2.      Military Training Routes

·         Allow the military to conduct low-altitude, high-speed training

·         Routes above 1,500ft AGL are flown primarily under IFR (IR) 3#

·         Routes below 1,500ft are generally for VFR flight (VR) 4#

·         Generally are established below 10,000 feet MSL for speeds in excess of 250 knots

·          

3.      Temporary Flight Restrictions

·         Temporary flight restrictions are established, when required, to protect persons and property in the air or on the surface.

·         intent of these restrictions

Ø  Is to provide a safe environment for relief or rescue aircraft,

Ø  Eliminate congestion over special events,

Ø  Protect airspace over presidential flights or Vice President

Ø  Notified Notice to Airmen is issued.

Ø  Provide a safe environment for space agency operations.

4.      VFR Published Routes (refer to class B)

·         Published VFR routes are for transitioning around, under, or through some complex airspace.

·         Terms such as VFR flyway, VFR corridor, Class B airspace, VFR transition route, and terminal area VFR route have been applied to such routes.

5.      Parachute Jump Areas

·         Published in the Airport/Facility Directory & on sectional charts.

·         Vicinity of an airport without an operating control tower

·         Keep alert!!!

·         Operations will be broadcasted on CTAF

6.      Airport Advisory Areas

·         Within 10 SM of an airport where a control tower is not operating,

Ø  Where a flight service station (FSS) is located.

Ø  At these locations, the FSS provides advisory service to arriving and departing aircraft

(1) Gainesville

7.      National Security Area (NSA) 

·         NSAs may become prohibited airspace to protect national security

·         Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through the depicted NSA.

·         When necessary to provide a greater level of security and safety, flight in NSA's may be temporarily prohibited flight

Ø  By NOTAM

8.      Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)

·         Additional radar service designed to provide radar transition between enroute and terminal areas.

·         Originally established as part of the Terminal Radar Program at selected airports.

·         TRSA's were never controlled airspace from a regulatory standpoint because the establishment of TRSA's was never subject to the rulemaking process

·         Normally overlie Class E airspace beginning at 700/1200 and established to transition from the enroute/terminal area

·         Participation: Pilots operating under VFR are encouraged to contact the radar approach control and avail themselves of the TRSA Services.

Ø  Participation is voluntary on the part of the pilot.

·         Solid black line and altitudes for each segment. The Class D portion is charted with a blue segmented line.

VFR Cruising Altitudes

K.     Ground Based Navigation

1.      VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR) System

·         Provides three slightly different navigational aids: VOR, VOR/DME and VORTAC.

Ø  VOR provides only magnetic bearing to and from the station

Ø  VOR/DME provides both magnetic bearing and distance to and from the station

Ø  VORTAC provides the same information as a VOR/DME, only difference being that military TACAN equipment is installed.

·         Can be used to navigate To and From the station or find the position of the aircraft.

·         A VOR provides magnetic bearing information to and from a station. The VOR transmits straight line radial from the station in all directions.

Ø  The distance of the radials depend on the power output of the transmitter

Ø  A radial is defined as a line of magnetic bearing extending outward from the VOR station.

Ø  The VOR is restricted to line of sight

·         Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) consists of an omnibearing selector (OBS),  CDI needle and a TO/FROM indicator

Ø  By centering the needle and having a TO indication the OBS will indicate the magnetic bearing needed to fly towards the station.

·          Airspace

A.      Categories of Airspace

1.      Two categories of airspace

·         Regulatory - Class A - E, restricted and prohibited areas, TFR’s

·         Non-Regulatory - MOA's warning areas, alert areas, and control firing areas.

·         All airspace extends to 12 nm off the coast.

2.      Within these two categories are four types:

·         Controlled:  ATC traffic separation and Radar services are available

Ø  Class A, Class B, and Class C, airspace

Ø  No VFR separation in Class D nor E, airspace (there is IFR separation)

Ø  Depending on class, different requirements for communication, equipment, and weather

Ø  Class B, C, D, and E are shown on a sectional

Ø  Class A airspace is not shown

(1) Class A is the most restrictive airspace, followed in order by Class B through E

·         Uncontrolled:  Uncontrolled airspace is Class G

Ø  ATC traffic separation services are not provided

·         Special Use

·         Other

3.      The categories and types of airspace are dictated by:

·         Complexity or density of aircraft movements

·         Nature of operations with in the airspace

·         Level of safety required

·         National or Public interest

B.       Class A Airspace

1.      Generally airspace begins at 18,000 ft. MSL and continues to FL 600

2.      Extends to 12 NM out from the coast

3.      Must be on an IFR flight plan

4.      ATC clearance required to enter

5.      Must have two way radio communication and must maintain two-way radio communication

6.      An IFR flight plan is required to fly in Class A airspace

7.      Required Equipment

·         ATC Transponder and altitude reporting equipment

·         ADS-B equipment (Required after 2020)

8.      “VFR on top” is not available in Class A 

9.      To be cleared into Class A

·         Have an instrument rating

·         Speed is limited to a maximum of M1.0 (§91.817) 

·         Class A is the most restrictive airspace

C.      Class B Airspace

1.      Class B airspace exists around large airports in metropolitan areas

·         Area from the surface to 10,000’ MSL

·         Other areas (shelves) start at higher altitudes based on that airspace

Ø  Some are tailored to specific need of area

·         There is also a Mode C veil that requires a Mode C transponder

Ø  It extends from the surface to 10,000 ft. MSL in a 30 nm-radius circle around the VOR

·         Indicated airspeed may not exceed 250kts in Class B airspace

Ø  200kts under each shelf and through VFR corridors

·         Operating Rules – Must have a Private Certificate

Ø  Must have an ATC clearance to enter, transit, or depart

Ø  Student pilots are not permitted in Class B unless they have received flight and ground instruction on that particular Class B airspace, and they have a logbook endorsement within the previous 90 days (§61.95a). 

Ø  There are several Class B areas, such as LAX and JFK, that never permit student pilots. 

Ø  Student pilots may land at the primary airport or any satellite airport within Class B airspace, but they must have received flight and ground training at those airports and have a logbook endorsement.

·         Large turbine aircraft Must operate at or above the floor of the Class B airspace area while going to or from the primary airport

·         Equipment Required 

Ø  Operable Two-way radio

Ø  Transponder with Mode C

Ø  VOR receiver for IFR flight

Ø  ADS-B (Required after 2020)

·         Class B airspace is depicted on Sectionals by solid blue rings

Ø  VFR Sectional scale 1:500,000

Ø  Terminal Area charts scale 1:250,000

2.      Visibility requirement

·         Visibility must be at least 3 sm for VFR flight, and you must remain clear of the clouds. 

3.      VFR Routes

·         Published VFR routes for transitioning around, under and through complex airspace such as Class B airspace were developed through a number of FAA and industry initiatives.

4.      VFR Flyways

·         A general flight path, for use by pilots in planning flights into, out of, through or near complex terminal airspace to avoid Class B airspace.

·         VFR Flyways are depicted on the reverse side of some of the VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC)

·         Designed to assist pilots in planning for flights under and around busy Class B airspace without entering Class B airspace.

·         ATC clearance is NOT required to fly these routes.

5.      VFR Corridors

·         A VFR corridor is defined as airspace through Class B airspace, with defined vertical and lateral boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or communication.

·         These corridors are, in effect, a "hole" through Class B airspace.

·         A corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface like a VFR Flyway.

Ø  Because of their finite lateral and vertical limits, and the volume of VFR traffic using a corridor, extreme caution and vigilance must be exercised

6.      Class B Airspace VFR Transition Routes:

·         To accommodate VFR traffic through certain Class B airspace, such as Seattle, Phoenix and Los Angeles, Class B Airspace VFR Transition Routes were developed.

Ø  They are defined as a specific flight course depicted on a TAC for transiting a specific Class B airspace.

Ø  These routes include specific ATC-assigned altitudes

Ø  Pilots must obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering Class B airspace on the route.

Ø  These routes are designed to show the pilot where to position the aircraft outside of, or clear of, the Class B airspace where an ATC clearance can normally be expected with minimal or no delay

Ø  Until ATC authorization is received, pilots must remain clear of Class B airspace

Ø  On initial contact, pilots should advise ATC of:

(1) Their position

(2) Altitude

(3) Route name desired

(4) Direction of flight.

(5) After a clearance is received, pilot must fly the route as depicted and, most importantly, adhere to ATC instructions.

D.      Class C Airspace

1.      Class C airspace surrounds moderately busy airports

·         These are airports that have an operational control tower

Ø  They are serviced by a radar approach control, and that have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger limits

Ø  The primary airport is that airport for which the Class C airspace is designated

(1) A satellite airport is any other airport within the Class C airspace.

2.      Dimensions

·         Surface area to 4000’ AGL (charted in MSL) out to 5 NM from airport

·         The outer area is that airspace extending from the lower limit of the radar coverage up to the ceiling of approach control’s airspace, extending in a 20-nm radius from the primary airport.

·         Outer area from 1200’ AGL (charted in MSL) from 5 NM to 10 NM out. These cylinders are centered on the primary airport(s) in the airspace.  From this basic shape, the airspace is individually tailored to each specific situation.

3.      Operating Rules

·         No pilot Certificate requirements

·         Establish Two-Way radio communication with ATC (tail number)

Ø  ATC acknowledges your aircraft by registration number

(1) If you hear “stand by” then you are not cleared

Ø  If departing from the primary airport, maintain two-way radio communication with the tower, and thereafter with ATC

Ø  If departing from a satellite airport without an operating control tower, establish and maintain two-way radio communication with ATC as soon as practicable after departing and maintain communications

·         Maintain Two-Way radio communication while operating in Class C

4.      Equipment Required

·         Two-Way Radios

·         Transponder with Mode C in and Above Class C airspace

·         ADS-B (Required after 2020)

5.      Aircraft speed

·         Aircraft must not exceed 250 kts in Class C, and a limit of 200 kts at altitudes under 2500 ft AGL.

Ø  Within 4 nm of the primary airport

6.      Notation on VFR Charts

·         Thick magenta lines

·         Altitude limits (MSL) are shown by pairs of numbers

·         Some of class “C and D” towers may be open part time

Ø  An asterisk by the “C or D” shows this in the blue dashed line

(1) That air space will revert to “E” or a combination of “E” and “G”

7.      Visibility requirement

·         Basic VFR weather minima apply:  at least 3 S.M. Visibility, and at least 500 ft. below, 1000 ft. above, and 2000 ft. horizontally from clouds. 

E.       Class D airspace

2.      Generally that airspace that is from the surface to 2500ftAGL (Charted in MSL) out 5sm (4.4nm)

·         They are tailored to the need of a specific area

3.      Extensions to Class D for instrument approaches will be part of the Class D airspace, unless any one of the extensions is more than 2 nm long, in which case all extensions become Class E

4.      Operating Rules

·         Establish two-way radio communication prior to entering the Class D airspace

·         Establish Radio communication as soon as practicable after departing a satellite airport within Class D

5.      Aircraft speeds

·         Flights at or below 2,500 feet AGL within 4 nm of the primary airport in Class D airspace may not exceed 200 knots

6.      Notations on VFR sectionals and terminal area charts

·         Thin dashed blue line. 

·         Any Class E extensions are indicated by a thin dashed magenta line

Ø  Meaning that Class E extends to the surface.

Ø  Some of class “D” towers may be open part time

(1) An asterisk by the “D” shows this in the blue dashed line

(2) That air space will revert to “E” or a combination of “E” and “G”

7.      Visibility requirements

·         The same weather minima apply in Class D as in Class C:  3 S.M. visibility, and 500 ft. below the clouds, 1,000 ft. above the clouds, and 2,000 ft. horizontally

F.       Class E airspace

1.      The last controlled airspace, and the least restrictive

·         It begins at 1,200 ft. AGL and extends upward to the floor of the underlying airspace, except where otherwise indicated.

2.      Dimensions

·         Unless otherwise depicted, exists from 14,500’ MSL to 17,999 MSL

1.      Charts

·         Class E airspace below 14,500 feet MSL is depicted on sectional

·         A wide magenta line on VFR sectional charts designates class E airspace when it begins at 700 ft. AGL. 

·         A wide blue line indicates that it begins at 1,200 ft. AGL. 

·         The zipper lines show floors of Class E at various other altitudes. 

·         Class E airspace around an airport is shown as a thin dashed magenta line when the airspace starts at the surface.

·          This is usually associated with an ILS approach at a non‑towered airport.

2.      Operation Rules

·         No clearance is required for Class E

·         There are no minimums for equipment or pilot certificates

·         Except above 10,000 ft. MSL a Mode C transponder is required 

3.      Visibility requirements

·         Below 10,000 ft. MSL,

Ø  It is 3 SM visibility, and 500 ft. below the clouds, 1,000 ft. above the clouds, and 2,000 ft. horizontally. 

·         Above 10,000 ft. MSL

Ø  5 SM visibility, and 1,000 ft. below, 1,000 ft. above, and 1 SM horizontally. 

                     Below 10,000 MSEL                                                          Above 10,000 MSL

G.     Types of Class E Airspace (SET VODA)

1.      Surface: area designated for an airport - When designated as a surface area for an airport, the airspace will be configured to contain all instrument procedures.

2.      Extension: to a surface area- Class E airspace areas that serve as extensions to Class B, Class C, and Class D surface areas designated for an airport.

·         Such airspace provides controlled airspace to contain standard instrument approach procedures without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating under VFR.

3.      Transition: There are Class E airspace areas beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet AGL used to transition to/from the terminal or en route environment.

4.      VOR Federal Airways: The Federal airways are Class E airspace areas and, unless otherwise specified, extend upward from 1,200 feet to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL. The colored airways are green, red, amber, and blue. The VOR airways are classified as Domestic, Alaskan, and Hawaiian.

5.      Offshore Airspace Areas: Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL and are designated as offshore airspace areas. 

·         These areas provide controlled airspace beyond 12 miles from the coast of the United States in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services and within which the U.S. is applying domestic procedures

6.      Domestic En Route Areas - Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude that provide controlled airspace in those areas where there's a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services but the Federal airway system is inadequate.

7.      All other airspace – starting at 14,500’ MSL up to 17,999’ MSL and FL600 and up.

H.     Class G airspace

1.      Everything that is not Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, special use, or other airspace. Although uncontrolled, very basic weather minima still apply during the day.

2.      Operation Rules

·         There are no certificate or equipment requirements for Class G airspace.

·         Rules governing VFR responsibility are to see and avoid other aircraft

3.      Visibility requirements

·         Below 1,200 ft. AGL and below 10,000 ft. MSL (day and night)

Ø  1sm c-o-c day

Ø  3sm 1-5-2 night

·         Above 1,200 ft. AGL and below 10,000 ft. MSL (day and night)

Ø  1sm 1-5-2 day

Ø  3sm 1-5-2 night

·         Above 10,000 ft. MSL (any time)

Ø  5sm 1-1-1sm

·         These minima notwithstanding, you must still remain 500 ft. from any person or structure (in sparsely populated areas). 

I.           Special Use Airspace

1.      Warning area

·         Warning areas extend from 3nm outward from the coast of the United States and contain activity that may be dangerous to non-participating aircraft.

·         They may be over domestic or international waters. 

·         Permission to fly in these areas in not required, but having a flight plan activated is advised.

·         On a sectional, warning areas are labeled with W and a three-digit number.

·         Warning areas are marked with a blue hatched.

Ø  The specifications of a warning area are listed in a table in blue lettering on the bottom of a sectional chart.

2.      Controlled Firing Area

·         Activities within a CFA could be hazardous to non-participating aircraft

·         Activities are suspended when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate that an aircraft may be approaching.

·         These are not charted because they do not cause a non-participating aircraft to change its flight path.

3.      Restricted Area

·         Airspace in which flight of aircraft is subject to restrictions.

Ø  Unusual hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles.

·         Permission to enter a restricted area may be obtained by the controlling agency.

·         On a sectional chart, restricted areas are labeled with R and a four-digit number.

Ø   Information about the controlling agency and the restricted area may be found at the bottom of the chart.

·         Restricted areas are marked with a blue hatched, just like a warning area

4.      Alert Area

·         Alert areas inform non-participating pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity. 

Ø  Pilots flying through these areas should be particularly vigilant for other aircraft.

·         Alert areas are marked with a solid blue line with blue tick marks on the inside, just like restricted and warning areas.

·         On a sectional, alert areas are labeled with an A and a three-digit number.

·         The specifications of an alert area are listed in a table in blue lettering on the bottom of a sectional.

5.      MOA (Military Operating Area)

·         MOAs are areas established to separate certain military training activities from IFR traffic.

·         Permission for VFR flights is not required, but when flying through these areas without authorization one should exercise extreme caution.

·         IFR flights will be cleared through or vectored around.

·         MOAs are marked with hatched and the MOA name.

·         The specifications of a MOA are listed in a table in magenta lettering on the bottom of a sectional.

6.      Prohibited Area

·         Aircraft are prohibited for national security welfare, such as the White House.

·         Labeled with P and a four-digit number

·         Marked with a solid blue line with blue tick marks on the inside, just like warning, alert, and restricted areas.

·         Specifications are listed in a table in blue lettering on the bottom of a sectional.

J.         Other airspace areas

1.      A general term referring to the majority of the remaining airspaces

2.      Military Training Routes

·         Allow the military to conduct low-altitude, high-speed training

·         Routes above 1,500ft AGL are flown primarily under IFR (IR) 3#

·         Routes below 1,500ft are generally for VFR flight (VR) 4#

·         Generally are established below 10,000 feet MSL for speeds in excess of 250 knots

·          

3.      Temporary Flight Restrictions

·         Temporary flight restrictions are established, when required, to protect persons and property in the air or on the surface.

·         intent of these restrictions

Ø  Is to provide a safe environment for relief or rescue aircraft,

Ø  Eliminate congestion over special events,

Ø  Protect airspace over presidential flights or Vice President

Ø  Notified Notice to Airmen is issued.

Ø  Provide a safe environment for space agency operations.

4.      VFR Published Routes (refer to class B)

·         Published VFR routes are for transitioning around, under, or through some complex airspace.

·         Terms such as VFR flyway, VFR corridor, Class B airspace, VFR transition route, and terminal area VFR route have been applied to such routes.

5.      Parachute Jump Areas

·         Published in the Airport/Facility Directory & on sectional charts.

·         Vicinity of an airport without an operating control tower

·         Keep alert!!!

·         Operations will be broadcasted on CTAF

6.      Airport Advisory Areas

·         Within 10 SM of an airport where a control tower is not operating,

Ø  Where a flight service station (FSS) is located.

Ø  At these locations, the FSS provides advisory service to arriving and departing aircraft

(1) Gainesville

7.      National Security Area (NSA) 

·         NSAs may become prohibited airspace to protect national security

·         Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through the depicted NSA.

·         When necessary to provide a greater level of security and safety, flight in NSA's may be temporarily prohibited flight

Ø  By NOTAM

8.      Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA)

·         Additional radar service designed to provide radar transition between enroute and terminal areas.

·         Originally established as part of the Terminal Radar Program at selected airports.

·         TRSA's were never controlled airspace from a regulatory standpoint because the establishment of TRSA's was never subject to the rulemaking process

·         Normally overlie Class E airspace beginning at 700/1200 and established to transition from the enroute/terminal area

·         Participation: Pilots operating under VFR are encouraged to contact the radar approach control and avail themselves of the TRSA Services.

Ø  Participation is voluntary on the part of the pilot.

·         Solid black line and altitudes for each segment. The Class D portion is charted with a blue segmented line.

VFR Cruising Altitudes

K.     Ground Based Navigation

1.      VHF Omni-directional Range (VOR) System

·         Provides three slightly different navigational aids: VOR, VOR/DME and VORTAC.

Ø  VOR provides only magnetic bearing to and from the station

Ø  VOR/DME provides both magnetic bearing and distance to and from the station

Ø  VORTAC provides the same information as a VOR/DME, only difference being that military TACAN equipment is installed.

·         Can be used to navigate To and From the station or find the position of the aircraft.

·         A VOR provides magnetic bearing information to and from a station. The VOR transmits straight line radial from the station in all directions.

Ø  The distance of the radials depend on the power output of the transmitter

Ø  A radial is defined as a line of magnetic bearing extending outward from the VOR station.

Ø  The VOR is restricted to line of sight

·         Course Deviation Indicator (CDI) consists of an omnibearing selector (OBS),  CDI needle and a TO/FROM indicator

Ø  By centering the needle and having a TO indication the OBS will indicate the magnetic bearing needed to fly towards the station.

·