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Airspace: Entry Requirements

Objectives​

Understand the entry requirements for each class of airspace.

Motivations​

Timings​

45 minutes

Format​

  • Whiteboard / EFB

Elements​

  • Class A airspace
    • Instrument rating
    • IFR flight plan
    • IFR clearance
    • Separation services provided
  • Class B airspace
    • IFR flight plan and clearance
    • Explicit ATC clearance
      • "N549SR cleared in the Class B, maintain 3000"
    • Separation services provided
    • ADS-B Out + Mode C transponder required within the Mode C veil
      • Sectional: KSEA mode C veil
  • Class C airspace
    • Have their own approach/departure control
    • Two-way radio communication required for entry
      • Reference your aircraft by your callsign
      • "N549SR, Portland Tower." - sufficient
      • "Aircraft calling, standby" - not sufficient for entry
    • Separation provided between VFR and IFR traffic (not VFR/VFR)
    • ADS-B Out + Mode C transponder required within and above the airspace
  • Class D airspace
    • Two-way radio required for entry:
      • Same callsign requirements as Clasc C
    • Separation and sequencing provided for VFR traffic
    • No ADS-B Out + Mode C transponder required
    • Some ATCTs are part-time
      • When the tower is closed the airspace reverts to Class E or Class G (chart supplement will say "Other times Class G")
  • Class E airspace
    • No entry requirements for VFR
    • No separation services for VFR traffic
    • Can receive ATC services (IFR, VFR flight following)
    • Need ADS-B and Mode C transponder above 10,000' MSL
  • Knowledge check
    • Flying into Portland Class C airspace, what do we need?
    • Flying into Seattle Class B airspace, what do we need?
    • Flying at 16,000' VFR and we need to climb due to weather, what should we be aware of?

References​