Airspace Basics
This class of airspace begins at 18,000 feet and is used for high-altitude IFR flights.
What is Class A airspace?
This type of map is the primary tool pilots use for navigation and locating airspace boundaries.
What is a sectional chart?
This special airspace is used for military training and may contain fast-moving aircraft.
What is an MOA (Military Operations Area)?
This frequency is used at non-towered airports for pilots to coordinate position calls.
What is CTAF?
This system automatically flies the UAV back to its takeoff point in an emergency.
What is RTL (Return to Launch)?
This surface-based airspace surrounds airports with control towers and requires two-way communication.
What is Class D airspace?
A tower with this symbol indicates an obstacle more than 200 feet above ground level.
What is a blue or magenta obstacle icon?
This acronym refers to time-sensitive alerts regarding flight hazards and temporary restrictions.
What is a NOTAM?
“Alpha, Bravo, Charlie” are part of this standardized communication tool.
What is the phonetic alphabet?
This condition occurs when a UAV loses its communication link with the controller.
What is lost-link?
UAVs can operate here without ATC permission, usually below 400 ft and away from airports.
What is Class G airspace?
Blue segmented circles on sectional charts represent this type of airport.
What is a tower-controlled airport?
UAVs are completely prohibited from entering this type of special use airspace under nearly all circumstances.
What is Prohibited Airspace
FAA runway numbers are based on a runway’s magnetic ______.
What is heading / direction?
During lost-link events, UAVs follow these preprogrammed settings to maintain safety.
What are failsafe procedures?
This system includes all U.S. controlled and uncontrolled airspace, navigation facilities, and rules.
What is the NAS (National Airspace System)?
These values printed next to terrain features show the highest point within a quadrangle.
What are Maximum Elevation Figures (MEFs)?
These areas often appear off coastlines and may include hazards like gunnery or missile tests.
What are Warning Areas?
This airport symbol marks where aircraft must stop unless cleared to proceed.
What is a hold-short line?
This document identifies hazards, airspace, obstacles, and emergency procedures before any UAV flight.
What is a mission plan?
The radius of these circular shelves often defines Class C and Class B airspace layers on a sectional chart.
What are airspace rings / shelves?
This combination of latitude/longitude, elevation, and airspace boundary symbology is essential to planning a safe UAV route.
What is chart-based flight planning data?
This temporary restriction type may appear during VIP visits, natural disasters, or major sporting events
What is a TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction)?
These standardized rectangular routes ensure predictable traffic flow around airports.
What is a traffic pattern?
In most emergency situations, this altitude rule helps avoid manned aircraft while maintaining airspace compliance.
What is remaining below 400 feet AGL unless otherwise authorized?