Class A-E
What is a Class A
Altitude: From 18,000 feet MSL up to FL600 (Flight Level 600 or ~60,000 feet)
Requirements:
IFR only (Instrument Flight Rules)
Must have an instrument rating
Must file and fly an IFR flight plan
ATC clearance required
What is Special Use Airspace (SUA)?
Special Use Airspace is designated airspace where certain activities must be confined or where limitations may be imposed on aircraft not involved in those activities. These areas often involve military operations or hazards to non-participating aircraft.
ICAO
Internation Civil Avation Organization
What law governs the FAA’s process for airspace allocation regulations?
The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) governs the FAA’s rulemaking process, including airspace allocation.
What is the recommended minimum altitude that aircraft should maintain over national parks and similar areas?
Aircraft are requested to maintain an altitude of at least 2,000 feet above the surface over designated areas such as National Parks, Monuments, and Wildlife Refuges.
What is a Class B Airspace
Altitude: From surface to 10,000 feet AGL around major airports (like LAX, ATL, JFK)
Shape: Upside-down wedding cake (tiers get wider as you go higher)
Requirements:
ATC clearance required to enter
Two-way radio communication
Mode C transponder (with altitude reporting)
What does a Restricted Area signify?
A Restricted Area contains unusual, often invisible hazards (like artillery firing or missile testing). Entry without permission from the controlling agency is not allowed and can be dangerous.
TFR
Temporary Flight Restrictions
What does the APA require before the FAA can adopt a regulatory change, unless it’s an emergency?
The FAA must publish a proposed regulatory change as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register and allow a reasonable opportunity for public comment.
Name three types of areas where the 2,000-foot overflight recommendation applies.
National Parks
National Wildlife Refuges
Wilderness and Primitive Areas
What Is A Class C Airspace
Altitude: Surface to 4,000 feet AGL
Typical Size: Inner core 5 NM radius; outer shelf 10 NM radius
Requirements:
Two-way radio communication must be established before entry
Mode C transponder required
Can civilian pilots fly through a Military Operations Area (MOA)?
Yes, civilian VFR pilots can fly through MOAs, but it's highly recommended to contact ATC beforehand for traffic advisories. IFR traffic requires ATC clearance.
MOA
Militatry Operation Area
What is the purpose of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)?
An ANPRM is used to gather early public input before a formal rule is proposed, helping the FAA shape potential regulatory changes.
Are aircraft legally prohibited from flying below 2,000 feet over these areas?
No, the 2,000-foot altitude is a recommended minimum, not a legal restriction — but compliance is strongly encouraged to protect wildlife and preserve natural quiet.
What is a class D airspace
Altitude: Surface to 2,500 feet AGL
Typical Radius: ~4–5 NM
Requirements:
Two-way radio comms with the control tower before entering
What is a Prohibited Area?
A Prohibited Area is strictly off-limits to all aircraft. These areas exist for national security reasons
SUA
Special Use Airspace
Can rulemaking proposals only come from the FAA?
No, rulemaking proposals can originate from the FAA or from petitions submitted by citizens, businesses, associations, or other government agencies.
What types of restrictions have some National and State Parks placed on commercial tour aircraft?
Some parks have banned tour aircraft completely, while others allow flights only:
At certain times
For certain types of aircraft
What is a class E airspace
Altitude: Starts either at the surface, 700 feet, or 1,200 feet AGL depending on location, and extends up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL
Requirements:
No specific clearance for VFR
IFR flights must be in contact with ATC
What is an Alert Area?
An Alert Area warns pilots of high levels of aerial activity (like flight training or unusual maneuvers). VFR pilots can enter but must remain extra vigilant.
SCATAN
Securtity Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids
Where does the FAA publish proposed rule changes for public review and comment?
Proposed rule changes are published in the Federal Register, which is the official journal of the federal government.
What is the policy of the National Park Service regarding drones?
The National Park Service has banned the launching and landing of drones within National Parks, although overflight by drones remains a complex and often restricted issue.