Airspace
FAA Airspace Classes Explained for Part 107 Pilots
A plain-English guide to controlled and uncontrolled airspace, chart boundaries, and when authorization is required.
Key takeaway
Identify the airspace at the exact flight location, then check whether authorization or another restriction applies before operating.
Controlled does not mean prohibited
Class B, C, D, and certain surface Class E areas are controlled airspace. A Part 107 pilot may operate there with the required prior authorization.
The exam often tests whether you can identify the class from a chart and choose the correct next action.
- Class B: solid blue boundaries
- Class C: solid magenta boundaries
- Class D: dashed blue boundaries
- Surface Class E: dashed magenta boundaries
Understand shelves and vertical limits
Class B and C areas frequently have shelves. The airspace above a location may differ from the airspace at the surface.
Charted fractions express ceiling over floor in hundreds of feet MSL. Read the correct shelf at the planned flight point rather than the airport centre.
Class G and Class E
Class G is uncontrolled airspace, while Class E is controlled airspace that is not Class A, B, C, or D. Their transition is shown with chart vignettes and other boundary markings.
Even when ATC authorization is not required, every other Part 107 requirement still applies.
Put this guide into practice.
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