Airspace

Classifications

By Jason Clark
Explanation
I will be defining the different types of airspace classifications. Airspace is
governed by weather, ACT, and the ability that you would be able to fly.
Airspace
I am going to talk about six types

of airspace.
Class A
Class A airspace is generally the airspace from 18,000 feet
mean sea level (MSL) up to and including flight level (FL)
600,00 including the airspace overlying the waters within 12
nautical miles (NM) of the coast of the 48 contiguous states
and Alaska. For example when airlines are at cruising altitude
there is still a lot of traffic in the sky. It is like a freeway in the
sky.
Class B
Class B Airspace - Generally, that airspace from the surface to
10,000 feet MSL surrounding the nation's busiest airports in
terms of IFR operations or passenger enplanements. The
configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually
tailored and consists of a surface area and two or more layers
(some Class B airspace areas resemble upside-down wedding
cakes), and is designed to contain all published instrument
procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace. The B is for
busy when you go to LA it is a class B for all the traffic.
Class C
Class C Airspace is generally that airspace from the surface
to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL)
surrounding those airports that have an operational control
tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and have a
certain number of IFR operations or passenger
enplanements. This Airport is less Busy then a class B but
still has the same requirements for landing and takeoff.
Class D
Class D airspace generally cylindrical in form and normally
extends from the surface to 2,500 feet (760 m) above the
ground. The outer radius of the airspace variable, but is
generally 4 nautical miles. Airspace within the given radius,
but in surrounding class C or class B airspace, is excluded.
Class D is a smaller airport with less traffic and no radar but
same requirements as A,B and C.
Class E
Most airspace in the United States is class E. Their airspace
above FL600 is also class E. No ATC clearance or radio
communication is required for VFR flight in class E airspace.
VFR visibility and cloud clearance requirements are the same
as for class C and D airspaces when below 10,000 feet
(3,000 m) MSL. Class E airport is like Durango there is no
tower communications no radar coverage for the aircraft.
Class G
Class G is completely uncontrolled. VFR visibility
requirements in class G airspace are 1 mile (1.6 km) by day,
and 3 miles (5 km) by night, for altitudes below 10,000 feet
(3,050 m) MSL but above 1,200 ft AGL. Class G Airport would
be in the middle of nowhere.