AIRSPACE

Airspace is classified according to a lettering system. Even though we are not allowed into Classes A, B,
C, D, Restricted or Prohibited Areas, we are allowed into nearly all of Class E and all of Class G airspace.
(as per FAR 103)
After you are done with this tutorial, a great online source of current sectionals for anywhere in the
country is located at this site .
The Federal Aviation Administration is the federal agency responsible to regulate aviation within the US.
Most hang gliders meet the requirements to operate as unpowered ultralight vehicles and as such benefit
from having very little in the way of regulations to follow. Along with not needing aircraft inspections or
licenses to fly them, we are allowed to fly in most areas. Learn more about the FAA.
Airspace Details
Class
A
Airspace:
Class A airspace is not shown on your sectional. It covers the entire nation, so all we have to remember is
that
its
lower
limit
is
18,000
MSL.
The term "controlled airspace," by the way, doesn't mean that somebody or some agency is up there
controlling traffic, but controllers have a pretty good idea of what is up there. Use of our national air
traffic control (ATC) service is mandatory in Class A airspace that begins at 18,000 feet MSL and extends
upward to 60,000 feet MSL. Altitudes at 18,000 feet MSL and above, in Class A airspace, are commonly
referred to in thousands of feet as "Fight Levels," abbreviated FL. For example, flight level two zero zero,
or FL 200 = 20,000 feet MSL, FL 600 = 60,000 feet MSL, etc.
The United States, of course, does not own or control airspace outside its territorial limits, but our
government has extended Class A airspace out to twelve miles from the coast of the contiguous 48 states
and Alaska. By the way, if you fly into Mexico or Canada, or if you want to rent an ultralight overseas, do
not assume that you understand their airspace system. It will be similar, but homework is required.
Memory aid: Class A airspace = Above, as in 18,000 and Above, as in high Above everything else.
Class
B
Airspace:
Class B airspace surrounds the nation's busiest airports and usually goes as high as 10,000 feet MSL, in
some cases even higher. The uppermost level of Class B airspace may extend horizontally with radius of
up to a 15 nautical miles around the airport tower. There is, however, no universal set of Class B
dimensions since the flow of traffic, geography and other considerations determine the exact architecture
of each Class B area. A sectional or a VFR Terminal Area Chart is very helpful in understanding the
design
and
lateral
dimensions
of
each
Class
B
airspace.
Theoretically, an ultralight might fly above Class B airspace, but that could be extremely dangerous.
Besides, you might be flying over a congested ground area and, in certain areas, through relatively
congested airspace as other aircraft are funneled through narrow approach and departure routes.
On your sectional, horizontal Class B airspace limits are outlined in concentric solid blue circular lines
that may be indented or extended in certain places due to geography or air traffic routes. The top and
bottom of each layer of airspace, as you can see, are given in what looks like a fraction; for example,
90/40.

That means that this particular layer of airspace lies between 9,000 and 4,000 feet MSL. (SFC stands for
surface) A two dimensional sectional map can only show you the horizontal outlines of different layers,
you have to use the fractions to visualize the vertical dimensions. If it helps, close your eyes and try to
"see" the architecture of the different layers. If you try to think in pictures rather than in words, that may
help.
Imagine
an
"inverted
wedding
cake."
with
at
least
three
layers.
Check your sectional and you will find that the surface area of a city lying in Class B airspace is colored
yellow as are all cities on the sectional. Obviously, this is what the FAA would call "congested" area, and
ultralights may not fly over congested areas even if they were not in Class B or other controlled airspace.
Visual clues and good judgment are your best guides for avoiding ground congestion.
Even though ultralights are not permitted in class B airspace without prior permission, some operators

have reported that ATC has granted permission for individual flights. Many of the fields and airparks
where ultralights fly are under overhanging layers of Class B airspace. If they fly too high, or if they fly
just above the surface toward a major city airport, the ultralight will penetrate the Class B airspace, and
that may set off lots of alarm bells with the FAA. The inner circle of Class B airspace extends all the way
to the surface. The outskirts of cities like Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington are surrounded by
many delightful strips where small planes and ultralights fly, and their pilots know pretty well what to
avoid in terms of location and altitude. Pilots who fly near major Class B airports may prefer to use a
VFR Terminal Area Chart since these depict a smaller area with much more detail using a scale of
1:250,000. If you fly from a field that is under or near Class B airspace, you should study your sectional
or Terminal Area Chart to memorize landmarks that might help you recognize the locations and altitudes
of
various
sections
of
Class
B
space.
Intruding into Class B airspace in an extremely serious matter. You may endanger the lives of many others
since a fully loaded passenger jet carries hundreds of people. While a violation of Class D or Surface Area
Class E space (discussed below) might bring only a strong lecture, a violation of Class B or Class C will
almost
certainly
bring
strong
penalties.
In

your

memory,

let

stand

for

Big

Time

or

Big

City

airspace.

Class
C
Airspace:
On your sectional, horizontal Class C limits are shown by solid magenta lines. It is similar in layout to
Class B but in magenta not blue.
Altitude fractions show the upper and lower vertical limits as they do with Class B. As with the shelves of
Class B airspace, you may fly under or over shelves of Class C airspace, but never into the airspace itself.

If "B" stands for "Big Cities," let "C" simply stand for Cities. The cities under class C airspace are our
mid-sized cities. The towers at these fields are equipped with radar -- something that smaller controlled
fields (Class D airspace) do not have. Ultralights may not fly in Class C airspace without special
permission from ATC, and that should be obtained in advance by telephone (although some controllers
will accept a radio call). Although the city involved may not be as big as New York or Washington, D.C.,
it will usually have heavy jet and commercial traffic coming and going.

Class
D
Airspace:
Small city airports with control towers are usually designated as Class D airspace. Associate "D" with
"Diminutive" or "Dime-sized" cities if you like, and do not go there without permission either.
Commercial and other IFR traffic may be flying into these fields, and there is often much general aviation
activity and pilot training. Look over your sectional and find several Class D fields. The field silhouette
itself (not the city) will be pictured in blue -- as all controlled fields are -- with a dashed blue circle
around it. By now you have probably noticed that the runways of any airport are drawn to show their
direction in terms of the compass, and that runway length is also given. There is more information to look
for as well, but back to Class D airspace.
The ceiling of Class D airspace generally extends upward to 2,500 feet AGL over the airport surface but
the exact upper limit is shown with a number inside a dashed box outline. The example at right has a "54"
meaning the upper limit is 5,400' msl. Some Class D fields have little extensions, what look like cogs on a
wheel. The entire airspace may look like a key hole with one or more extensions out from the five-mile

circle. These extensions of Class D airspace accommodate approaching and departing IFR flights that use
standard
approach/departure
routes.
Flying over Class D airspace may not pose problems for the experienced ultralighter unless it violates the
rule that ultralights must avoid flying over congested areas on the ground. It is customary for general
aviation traffic that is just passing over or near a Class D field, but not planning to land there, to call the
tower (the frequency is on the sectional). Such a courtesy call lets ATC know there is traffic out there in
the general vicinity. Remember, a Class D airspace tower may have no radar and may, except for the
controllers' eyes, be blind. If you have an aircraft frequency radio and understand radio communication
procedures, it may be wise to inform a nearby Class D tower where you are and where you plan to go.
Class
E
Airspace:
Controlled airspace is officially defined by exclusion, which often does not tell you much. By that
reasoning, Class E airspace is controlled airspace that is not Class A, B, C or D or G (explained below)
airspace. Not too helpful, but you can be sure that there is a lot of Class E airspace, so much that one
could think of it as "E" for Elemental or Everywhere airspace, the airspace out of which all other types are
carved. It is the filler that fills in under Class A, and between Classes B,C and D. Its volume is vast. If we
ignore the upper cover of Class A airspace, it is safe to say that there is a lot more E than all the other
kinds combined. Ultralights fly freely in most of Class E space. The major exception is: FAR, Part 103.17
-- "No person may operate an ultralight vehicle within [snip] the lateral boundaries of the surface area of
Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from the ATC facility
having jurisdiction over that airspace."

"Surface Class E," is indicated by dashed magenta lines around the airport as shown at right. Inside the
dashed magenta line, the floor of E goes all the way to the surface. It looks much like Class D but only in
dashed magenta, not dashed blue. Notice there is no upper altitude number within a box like there was in
Class D. The question then becomes... what is the upper limit? How is this airspace boundary defined?

I have recently been informed by Joe Gregor that "surface area Class E for an airport" is specifically
defined in FAA Order 7400.9. In the past this area included everything within the dashed magenta line
depicted around certain airports on the sectional charts - keyways included. This FAA Order has been
recently (since 2003?) been changed much to our favor. The rectangular keyways are no longer
considered "surface area Class E for an airport". We can fly in-em to our hearts content, at any altitude.
Surface Class E as now defined generally corresponds in area to the Class D cylinder as depicted on the
charts. Since the Class E is not active when the Class D is active (tower manned, daytime) we can overfly
the airport - providing we remain above the published ceiling of the Class D. Joe said, "For those
interested, a copy of FAA Order 7400.9 may be obtained by calling 202-267-3571. Be forwarned, it's
about the same size as the Washington DC Yellow Pages. A new version (Order 7400.9N, I think) is
coming out soon. I was working from version 'L'. Anyone interested in further information should contact
me
(Joe
Gregor)
at
air_medal@mac.com."
Class E almost always has one of four lower limits: surface, 700' AGL, 1200' AGL or 14,500' MSL. Most
of the country has a Class E lower limit of 1200' AGL. Where it drops to 700' AGL it is shown by a broad
magenta line with a fuzzy side. The fuzzy side is the side where the floor of Class E is 700' AGL. So on
the image above at right, you can see a meandering wide magenta line that surrounds the airport outside
the dashed magenta line. This means the floor of Class E on one side is 700' AGL and as you cross over
the broad magenta line to it's more defined side the floor of Class E raises to 1200' AGL. Hover your
mouse inside the image and then hold it still and text will appear stating the floor of Class E at that point.

Remote areas of the country sometimes have Class E that has a lower limit of 14,500' msl. Where it
borders between this level and 1200' agl there is a shaded blue line. The 14,500' MSL side is the sharp

edged side and the fuzzy side is the 1200' AGL side.
Occasionally the floor of Class E is none of the usual values. Where it is a discrete value it is shown by a
staggered blue line. A number in blue on the side of the line indicates the floor of Class E. If a number is
only on one side then the side missing a number is either 14,500' MSL, 1200' AGL, 700' AGL or the
surface
depending
on
the
other
information
on
the
map.

The image at right shows a summary of our knowledge so far of the floor of Class E airspace. Hover your
mouse over the image and text should appear stating the floor of Class E in that area. Give it a try!
Class
G
airspace:
Class G airspace is a mantle of low lying airspace beginning at the surface. Class G is airspace that is
completely uncontrolled and in which an ultralight flies most comfortably. This low lying blanket of
uncontrolled airspace only ends when it meets Class B, C, D or E airspace.
Think of Class G as "ground" airspace. It covers almost the entire country. In very remote areas it has an
upper limit at 14,500' msl. However the vast majority of area of the country it has an upper limit that
follows the contour of the ground. The top of Class G usually is where the floor of the overriding Class E
is. Like a coat of paint following the contour of the land. Sometimes the depth of Class G is 700', some
times it's 1200', and where Class B,C,D or E extend to the surface there is no surface Class G.
Special

Use

Airspace:

FAR 103.17 says we are not allowed into Restricted or Prohibited areas.
Restricted Area -- A restricted area may be quite large and is shown on the sectional with a wide blue line
of hash marks and a sharp outer edge. The image at right shows several Restricted Areas of various
shapes all pieced together. Unseen hazards such as artillery practice, missile firing and other activities
may take place. Travel in a Restricted Area may be possible when it is not activated, but permission
should be obtained by the controlling agency. Your sectional has a table that gives the floor and ceiling of
Restricted Areas as well as the times of use and the controlling agency.

Prohibited Area -- A prohibited area, as shown and clearly marked with the words "Prohibited Area" on
your sectional, is an area enclosed in a unique wide blue border with a sharp outer edge. No one flies
there, neither regular aircraft nor ultralights, without specific permission. These prohibited areas involve
national security and sometimes environmental protection. They are not to be ignored under any
circumstances.

Victor Airway -- A Victor Airway is a special kind of Class E airspace.

We are allowed to fly there but it's a good idea to know where they are and avoid them if you wish to
reduce the amount of air traffic you are flying in. Victor Airways are like highways in the sky. Many
powered aircraft follow these routes. The routes connect radio navigation beacons called "very high
frequency omnidirectional range" or VOR stations that radiate a signal in all directions. These stations are
usually located at or near airfields. North-south Victor Airways have odd numbers while east-west
airways have even numbers. These federal or Victor Airways are used by both IFR and VFR aircraft. The
airspace set aside for a Victor Airway is eight miles wide with a floor at 1200 AGL; they extend up to FL
180 (18,000' msl). Victor Airways are shown on your sectional by faint blue lines in which is printed the
V designation along with the airway number. The image at right is of the local Crestline area. Note the
two Victor Airways that run diagonal, V-442 and V-137. Also note the hang glider symbol (glider with an
H inside a diagonal box. And also note the communication info at the lower left which indicates that
arriving aircraft are talking to ATC on 127.25.

Military Training Routes -- MTRs are depicted as thin, light gray lines on the sectional. Each has its own
identification, and the identifier has two parts. "VR" means that pilots flying the training routes will be
flying under visual flight rules. "IR" means the pilots will be flying under instrument flight rules (look out
for these guys). The second part of the identifier is either a three or a four-digit number. Four digits means
the route will be flown at or below 1500 feet AGL, an especially dangerous level for ultralight encounters.
A three-digit number means the route will be flown both below and above 1500 feet AGL so there's a
possibility that they too are to watch out for. Thus, VR-1260 means a training route flown under VFR at a
relatively low level. IR-141 would be a route flown under IFR conditions at any level. A jet fighter
traveling toward you at over 300 miles per hour can be very hard to see, so it's a great idea to keep any
local MTRs fixed in the back of your mind, and to be especially alert when crossing an MTR.

Warning Area -- This is a hazardous area that lies over international waters, beyond the three mile coastal
limit. Long, over water flights by ultralights into these areas are unlikely.
Military Operations Area (MOA) -- These large areas of the country are shown on your sectional as
enclosed by a line of magenta hash marks with a sharp outer edge. Military operations such as training
exercises come and go. Permission to fly in an MOA is not required, but a pilot may determine the hours
of any current activity by calling the nearest Flight Service Station (FSS). Dial 1-800-WXBRIEF.

Alert Area -- Bordered the same as a Restriced and Prohibited area, the identifier is not with a R or P but
with an A. We are allowed into Alert Area without prior permission. An Alert Area may involve high
general aviation traffic, unusual air operations or frequent student training. The area will be marked with a
blue
border
with
a
word
or
two
of
explanation.
Things Change -- Presidents and other important people who require high security show up everywhere
from time to time, air shows open and close, natural disasters (like forest fires) suddenly command
attention, runways close for repairs, etc. Be aware of current events in your area, events that might change
airspace demands. If you have a question, a call to your local Flight Service Station will answer it. 1(800)
WX-BRIEF.

Airspace classes
Class A
Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet (5,500 m) mean sea level (MSL) to FL600 (approximately 60,000 feet
(18,000 m) MSL) throughout the United States.
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, all flight operations in Class A airspace must be under ATC control, and must be
operating IFR, under a clearance received prior to entry.
Since Class A airspace is normally restricted to instrument flight only, there are no minimum visibility requirements.
Class B
Class B airspace is defined around key airport traffic areas, usually airspace surrounding the busiest airports in the
U.S.A. according to the number of IFR operations and passengers passing through. The exact shape of the airspace
varies from one Class B area to another, but in most cases it has the shape of an inverted wedding cake, with a
series of circular shelves of airspace of several thousand feet in thickness centered on a specific airport. Each shelf
is larger than the one beneath it. Class B airspace normally begins at the surface in the immediate area of the airport,
and successive shelves of greater and greater radius begin at higher and higher altitudes at greater distances from
the airport. Many Class B airspaces diverge from this model to accommodate traffic patterns or local topological or
other features. The upper limit of Class B airspace is normally 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL.
All aircraft entering Class B airspace must obtain ATC clearance prior to entry and must be prepared for denial of
clearance. Aircraft must be equipped with a two-way radio for communications with ATC and an operating Mode C
transponder, furthermore aircraft overflying the upper limit of any Class B airspace must have an operating Mode C
transponder. Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flights may proceed under their own navigation after obtaining clearance but
must obey any explicit instructions given by ATC. Some Class B airspaces include special transition routes for VFR
flight that require communication with ATC but may not require an explicit clearance. Other Class B airspaces include
VFR corridors through which VFR flights may pass without clearance (and without technically entering the Class B
airspace).
VFR flights operating in Class B airspace must have three miles (5 km) of visibility and must remain clear of clouds
(no minimum distance).
Class B airspace has the most stringent rules of all the airspaces in the United States. Class B has strict rules on
pilot and student certification. Pilots operating in Class B airspace must have a private pilot's certificate, or have met
the requirement of CFR 61.95. These are often interpreted to mean "have an instructor's endorsement for having
been properly trained in that specific Class B space." However, it does not apply to student pilots seeking sport or
recreational certificates. Some Class B airspaces prohibit student pilots entirely and are listed in the AIM section 3-23(b)2.
In addition to this, some Class B airspaces prohibit Special VFR flights. Certain Class B airports have a Mode C veil,
which is airspace within thirty nautical miles of the airport in which all aircraft must have an operating Mode C
transponder (up to 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL).

Class B Airspace symbol

See also: List of Class B airports in the USA

Class C
Class C space is structured in much the same way as Class B airspace, but on a smaller scale. Class C airspace is
defined around airports of moderate importance that have an operational control tower and is in effect only during the
hours of tower operation at the primary airport. The vertical boundary is usually 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the
airport surface. The core surface area has a radius of five nautical miles (9 km), and goes from the surface to the
ceiling of the Class C airspace. The upper shelf area has a radius of ten nautical miles, and extends from as low as
1,200 feet (370 m) up to the ceiling of the airspace.
All aircraft entering Class C airspace must establish radio communication with ATC prior to entry, generally about
20 miles (32 km) out. The aircraft must be equipped with a two-way radio and an operating Mode C (altitude
reporting) radar transponder, furthermore aircraft overflying above the upper limit of Class C airspace must have an
operating Mode C transponder. VFR flights in Class C airspace must have three miles (5 km) of visibility, and fly an
altitude at least 500 feet (150 m) below, 1,000 feet (300 m) above, and 2,000 feet (600 m) laterally from clouds.
There is no specific pilot certification required. Aircraft speeds must be below 200 knots (230 mph) at or below
2,500 feet (760 m) above the ground, and within 4 nautical miles (7 km) of the Class C airport.

See also: List of Class C airports in the USA

Class D
Class D airspace is circular in form and normally extends from the surface to 2,500 feet (760 m) above the ground
and to a variable radius (generally 5 statute miles) around airports with an operational control tower and not
otherwise in Class C or Class B airspace. Class D airspace reverts to Class E during hours when the tower is closed,
or under other special conditions.
Two-way communication with ATC must be established before entering Class D airspace, generally at 5 to 10 miles
(16 km) out, but no transponder is required. VFR cloud clearance and visibility requirements are the same as Class
C.
Class E
In most areas of the United States, Class E airspace extends from 1,200 feet (370 m) AGL up to but not including
18,000 feet (5,500 m) MSL, the lower limit of Class A airspace. There are areas where Class E airspace begins at
either the surface or 700 AGL that are used to transition to/from the terminal or en route environment (around nontowered airports). These areas are designated by VFR sectional charts.
In some areas of the western United States, class E airspace begins at 14,500 feet (4,420 m) MSL. These areas are
usually either very remote or very mountainous. (e.g. the airspace over many areas of Montana).
Most airspace in the United States is Class E. The airspace above FL600 is also Class E.
No ATC clearance or radio communication is required for VFR flight in Class E airspace. VFR visibility requirements
are as they are for Class C and Class D airspaces, except that the visibility requirement is extended to five miles
(8 km) above 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL, and the cloud clearance requirement above 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL is
extended to 1,000 feet (300 m) below, 1,000 feet (300 m) above, and one mile (1.6 km) laterally.
Class G
Class G airspace includes all airspace not otherwise classified below flight level 600. There are no entry or clearance
requirements for Class G airspace, even for IFR operations. Class G airspace is typically the airspace very near the
ground (1200 feet or less), beneath Class E airspace.
Radio communication is not required in Class G airspace, even for IFR operations. Class G is completely
uncontrolled.
VFR visibility requirements in Class G airspace are one mile (1.6 km) by day, and three miles (5 km) by night, for
altitudes below 10,000' MSL. Beginning at 10,000' MSL, five miles (8 km) of visibility are required, day and night.
Cloud clearance requirements are to maintain an altitude that is 500 feet (150 m) below, 1,000 feet (300 m) above,
and 2,000 feet (600 m) laterally below 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL; at or above 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL, they are

1,000 feet (300 m) below, 1,000 feet (300 m) above, and one mile (1.6 km) laterally. By day at 1,200 feet (370 m)
AGL and below, aircraft must remain clear of clouds, but there is no minimum distance.
It should be noted that there are certain exceptions where Class G is extended above 1,200 feet (370 m) AGL. This is
usually either over very mountainous terrain (i.e. some areas in the Rocky Mountains), or very sparse areas (i.e.,
Special use airspace
Main article: Special use airspace
Some airspace categories have no correlation with ICAO airspace classes but are nevertheless important in United
States airspace. The airspace class (A, B, etc.) in which special use airspace is found still controls the requirements
and procedures for flying into/through it.
Alert and warning areas
Alert and Warning areas contain special hazards that pilots must take into consideration when entering the areas.
They do not require a special Air traffic control clearance, but ATC can advise on the status of the area in some cases
(whether or not hazardous activities are in progress, for example).
Restricted airspace
Main article: Restricted airspace
Entry into restricted areas is prohibited under certain conditions without a special clearance obtained from the
controlling agency obtained directly or via ATC. Examples of restricted areas include test firing ranges and other
military areas with special hazards or containing sensitive zones.
Prohibited airspace
Main article: Prohibited airspace
Entry into prohibited areas is forbidden under all circumstances. Prohibited areas exist over a handful of extremely
sensitive locations, such as the White House.
Military operation area (MOA)
Main article: Military operations area
Military operation areas (MOA) are areas in which military activities are regularly conducted. No special clearance is
required to enter MOAs, but pilots should verify with ATC or Flight service station that no hazardous activity is
underway before entering an MOA.
Terminal radar service area (TRSA)
Terminal radar service area, or TRSA, is general controlled airspace wherein ATC provides radar vectoring,
sequencing, and separation on a full-time basis for all IFR and participating VFR aircraft. Service provided at a TRSA
is called Stage III Service. TRSA's are depicted on VFR aeronautical charts. Pilot participation is urged but is not
mandatory.
They are designated in high volume traffic areas where radar services are available but not otherwise designated as
B or C class airspace, such as the Palm Springs Valley in Southern California where high mountainous terrain
channels air traffic into the same busy space.
When VFR, you need not contact TRACON prior to entry or while in any TRSA, however it is recommended you do
so. There are no specific equipment requirements to operate VFR in a TRSA. If you ask for and receive radar
services from TRACON, you must comply with heading and altitudes assigned or cancel the service.
Temporary flight restriction (TFR)
Temporarily restricted airspace is designated by NOTAM and used to provide a safe airspace environment for
emergency aircraft operations in situations such as forest fires, disasters, or during Presidential movement.
VFR chart notation
Main article: Aeronautical chart conventions (United States)

Specific conventions are used to indicate airspace boundaries on VFR sectional and terminal area charts (TACs) for
the United States.
Class A
Class A airspace is not shown on VFR charts, but it is assumed to extend from 18,000 feet (5,500 m) MSL to
60,000 feet (18,000 m) MSL everywhere.
Class B
Class B airspace is delimited by a heavy cyan border. Each distinct segment of Class B airspace contains figures
indicating the upper and lower altitude limits of that segment in units of one hundred feet, shown as a fraction, e.g.,
100 over 40 indicates a ceiling of 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL and a floor of 4,000 feet (1,200 m) MSL (SFC indicates
that the segment begins at the surface). In some areas each segment may also be assigned a letter for identification
during communication with ATC.
In many cases the boundaries of Class B airspace segments are coincident with specific radials from a specific VOR
station or with specific distances from such a station; these are normally marked on the chart. In other cases, the
boundaries may follow natural topological features or may be defined in other ways, which may or may not be
explicitly indicated on the chart.
Class C
Class C airspace is delimited by a heavy magenta border. Each distinct segment of Class C airspace contains figures
indicating the upper and lower altitude limits of that segment in units of one hundred feet, shown as a fraction, e.g.,
100 over 40 indicates a ceiling of 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL and a floor of 4,000 feet (1,200 m) MSL. (SFC indicates
that the segment begins at the surface, and T indicates that the ceiling ends where overlying Class B airspace
begins.)
In many cases the boundaries of Class C airspace segments are coincident with specific radials from a specific VOR
station or with specific distances from such a station; these are normally marked on the chart. In other cases, the
boundaries may follow natural topological features or may be defined in other ways, which may or may not be
explicitly indicated on the chart.
Class D
Class D airspace is delimited by a thin, dashed cyan line, generally in the form of a circle centered on an airport. A
number enclosed in a box surrounded by a similar dashed line (ceiling value) and usually within the Class D area
gives the upper limit of the airspace in hundreds of feet (the lower limit of Class D is always the surface). A MINUS
ceiling value indicates surface up to but not including that value.
Class E
Class E airspace is delimited in different ways depending on its lower altitude limit. Airspace in this class that begins
at the default altitude of 14,500 feet (4,420 m) MSL is not delimited. Class E airspace that begins at 1,200 feet
(370 m) AGL is delimited by a broad, shaded cyan border. Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet (210 m) AGL is
delimited by a broad, shaded magenta border. Airspace in Class E that begins at the surface is delimited by a thin,
dashed magenta line (this type of Class E is most often seen as an extension to Class D airspace that facilitates
control of IFR routes to and from an airport).
In many cases, the expanse of airspace that is Class E beginning at 1,200 feet (370 m) AGL is so large that only the
areas that differ are marked on the chart. Thus, one may see only external borders within the chart, with the 1,200foot (370 m) region extending off the chart.
When Class E airspace begins at altitudes other than 1,200 feet (370 m) AGL, 700 feet (210 m) AGL, or 14,500 feet
(4,400 m) MSL, a delimiting border resembling links in a chain in dark cyan separates the areas, and specific
altitudes are marked within them.