Airspace Aviation 51 Natasha Flaherty [email protected] +1 650 592-7500 9 Feb 2003 Version 2.1

Airspace

Aviation 51

Natasha [email protected]

+1 650 592-7500

9 Feb 2003

Version 2.1

Agenda

Relevant CFRsAIM ReferenceAirspace Classifications – The ABCs

Airspace DimensionsAirspace Identification on the ChartTransition AreasFederal Airways

Special Use AirspaceFlight Operating Requirements by Airspace

Please note…

This presentation focuses on airplanes for private pilots

I have left out sections of the CFRs that pertain to helicopters

I have left out some sections of the CFRs that pertain to large and turbine powered aircraft

In some cases I have left out sections of the CFRs that pertain to flight under IFR

Please review Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations and the Aeronautical Information Manual for completeness

CFRs Regarding Airspace and Flight Restrictions 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B – Flight Rules General

91.101 Applicability91.117 Aircraft Speed91.121 Altimeter Settings91.123 Compliance with ATC Clearances and Instructions91.126 Operating On or In the Vicinity of an Airport in Class G Airspace91.127 Operating On or In the Vicinity of an Airport in Class E Airspace91.129 Operations in Class D Airspace91.130 Operations in Class C Airspace91.131 Operations in Class B Airspace91.133 Restricted and Prohibited Areas91.135 Operations in Class A Airspace91.137 Temporary Flight Restrictions in the vicinity of disaster/hazard areas

91.138 Temporary Flight Restrictions in National Disaster Areas in…Hawaii 91.139 Emergency Air Traffic Rules

91.141 Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of the Presidential and Other Parties91.143 Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of Space Flight Operations

91.144 Temporary Restriction on Flight Operations During Abnormally High Barometric Pressure Conditions

91.145 Management of aircraft operations in the vicinity of aerial demonstrations and major sporting events

Note: This is an excerpt of the CFRs pertinent to our discussion. Refer to your FAR/AIM for the complete list of CFRs.

CFRs Regarding Airspace and Flight Restrictions

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B – Visual Flight Rules91.155 Basic Weather Minimums

91.157 Special VFR Weather Minimums

91.159 VFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level


CFRs Regarding Equipment Requirements

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart C – Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements 91.203 Civil Aircraft: Certifications Required 91.205 Powered Civil Aircraft with Standard Category U.S.

Airworthiness Certificates: Instrument and Equipment Requirements 91.207 Emergency Locator Transmitters

91.209 Aircraft Lights 91.211 Supplemental Oxygen 91.213 Inoperative Instruments and Equipment 91.215 ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and

Use 91.217 Data Correspondence Between Automatically Reported

Pressure Altitude Data and the Pilot’s Altitude Reference


CFRs Regarding Operations Outside USA

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart H – Foreign Aircraft Operations and Operations of U.S. Registered Civil Aircraft Outside of the United States; and Rules Governing Persons On Board Such Aircraft 91.701 Applicability 91.703 Operations of Civil Aircraft of U.S. Registry Outside of

the United States

91.707 Flights Between Mexico or Canada and the United States


Waivers of the Rules

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart J – Waivers 91.903 Policy and Procedures 91.905 List of Rules Subject to Waivers


Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM)

Chapter 3 in the AIM is all about airspace!

Refer to AIM Chapter 3 in conjunction with the CFRs for full details

First some general terms…

Reference: AIM Chapter 3

Airspace Categories

RegulatoryClass A, B, C, D, & E airspace areasRestricted areasProhibited areas

Non-regulatoryMilitary Operations Areas (MOAs)Warning AreasAlert AreasControlled Firing Areas

Reference: AIM Chapter 3-1-1

Airspace Types

Within each of the Regulatory and Non-regulatory categories, there are 4 types of airspace:ControlledUncontrolledSpecial UseOther Airspace


Nomenclature & Fine Points

“Ceiling”The upper limit of an airspace

“Floor”The lower limit of an airspace

Altitudes of airspace ceilings and floors are marked on the chart

Note carefully whether a boundary is “up to and including” or “up to but not including”

AbbreviationsAGL

Above Ground LevelATC

Air Traffic ControlDVFR

Defense Visual Flight RulesFL

Flight LevelFSS

Flight Service StationIFR

Instrument Flight Rules

MSLMean Sea Level

NOTAMNotice To Airmen

SFCSurface

SVFRSpecial VFR

VFRVisual Flight Rules

Let’s learn the ABCs…

Airspace dimensionsChart notations

Chart Legend

Sectional ChartTerminal Area Chart

Airspace LegendSectional ChartTerminal Area Chart

Class Alpha Airspace

Generally, that airspace from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL 600

Including the airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska

Including designated international airspace beyond 12 nautical miles of the coast of the 48 contiguous States and Alaska within areas of domestic radio navigational signal or ATC radar coverage, and within which domestic procedures are applied

Class A Airspace is not specifically charted


Class A Airspace wouldn’t be shown on our low altitude charts anyway

Class Bravo Airspace

Generally, that airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the nation's busiest airports in terms of IFR operations or passenger enplanements

The configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually tailored and consists of a surface area and two or more layers (some Class B airspace areas resemble upside-down wedding cakes)

The Class B airspace is designed to contain all published instrument procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace


Class B Airspace is denoted by a thick blue line

Class B airspace is charted on Sectional Charts, IFR Enroute Low Altitude, and Terminal Area Charts

Mode C Veil

The airspace within 30 nautical miles of an airport listed in Appendix D, Section 1 of FAR Part 91 (generally primary airports within Class B airspace areas), from the surface upward to 10,000 feet MSL

West Coast airports with Mode C Veils:


SFOLAXSAN

SEALASHNL

Mode C Veil is denoted by a thin magenta line

Do not confuse this withClass C airspace!

Class Charlie Airspace Generally, that airspace from the surface to 4,000 feet above

the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that: Have an operational control tower Are serviced by a radar approach control Have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger enplanements

Although the configuration of each Class C airspace area is individually tailored, the airspace usually consists of: A 5 NM radius core surface area [“Inner Circle”] that extends from

the surface up to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation A 10 NM radius shelf area [“Outer Circle”] that extends from 1,200

feet to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation There are 11 Class C Airspace Areas in California


Outer Area SurroundingClass Charlie Airspace

The normal radius will be 20 NM, with some variations based on site specific requirements

The outer area extends outward from the primary airport and extends from the lower limits of radar/radio coverage up to the ceiling of the approach control's delegated airspace, excluding the Class C airspace and other airspace as appropriate


Class C Airspace is denoted by a thick magenta line on Sectional Charts, Enroute Charts, IFR Enroute Low Altitude, and Terminal Area Charts

The Outer Area is not specifically charted

Class Delta Airspace Generally, that airspace from the surface to 2,500 feet

above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower

The configuration of each class D airspace area is individually tailored and when instrument procedures are published, the airspace will normally be designed to contain the procedures

Arrival extensions for instrument approach procedures may be Class D or Class E airspace As a general rule, if all extensions are 2 miles or less, they remain

part of the Class D surface area However, if any one extension is greater than 2 miles, then all

extensions become Class E.


Class D Airspace is denoted by a blue segmented line

Ceilings of Class D (in hundreds of feet) are shown in a blue segmented box

Understand the minus sign!

Class Echo Airspace

Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D, and it is controlled airspace, it is Class E airspace

Except for 18,000 feet MSL, Class E airspace has no defined vertical limit but rather it extends upward from either the surface or a designated altitude to the overlying or adjacent controlled airspace


Types of Class E Airspace Surface area designated for an airport

When designated as a surface area for an airport, the airspace will be configured to contain all instrument procedures

Extension to a surface area There are Class E airspace areas that serve as extensions to Class B, Class C, and

Class D surface areas designated for an airport Such airspace provides controlled airspace to contain standard instrument

approach procedures without imposing a communications requirement on pilots operating under VFR

Airspace used for transition There are Class E airspace areas beginning at either 700 or 1,200 feet AGL used to

transition to/from the terminal or enroute environment Enroute Domestic Areas

There are Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude and are enroute domestic airspace areas that provide controlled airspace in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR enroute ATC services but the Federal airway system is inadequate.


Types of Class E Airspace Federal Airways

The Federal airways are Class E airspace areas and, unless otherwise specified, extend upward from 1,200 feet up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL

VOR airways are classified as Domestic, Alaskan, and Hawaiian

Based on VOR or VORTAC navigational aids Identified by a V and the airway numberCommonly called “Victor Airways”

Colored airways are Green, Red, Amber, and BlueOnly a few left, in Alaska and coastal North CarolinaBased on Low/Medium Frequency navigational aids or NDBsDesignated with a color and a number


Types of Class E Airspace Offshore Airspace Areas

There are Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL and are designated as offshore airspace areas

These areas provide controlled airspace beyond 12 miles from the coast of the United States in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR enroute ATC services and within which the United States is applying domestic procedures

Unless designated at a lower altitude Class E airspace begins at 14,500 feet MSL up to, but not including 18,000 feet

MSL overlying:The 48 contiguous States including the waters within 12 miles from the coast of the 48

contiguous StatesThe District of ColumbiaAlaska, including the waters within 12 miles from the coast of Alaska, and that

airspace above FL 600Excluding the Alaska peninsula west of longitude 160°00’00"W, and the airspace

below 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth unless specially so designated


Class E Airspace has 5 different chart symbols

Class E airspace below 14,500 feet MSL is charted on Sectional, Terminal, and IFR Enroute Low Altitude charts

Class Golf Airspace

Class G airspace (uncontrolled) is that portion of the airspace that has not been designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D and Class E airspace

Class G airspace typically extends from the surface to the base of the overlying controlled airspace (Class E or other), which is normally 700 or 1,200 feet AGL Example: SQL, PAO, & HWD become Class G when the

tower is closed In some areas Class G airspace may extend from the

surface to 14,500 MSL Exception: When 14,500 MSL is lower than 1,500 feet AGL,

Class G airspace continues up to 1,500 feet above the surface

Reference: AIM Chapter 3-3-1; Jeppesen Private Pilot Manual Chapter 4D

You can find Class G airspace on the hard side of the blue that denotesClass E Airspace

Check your AFD for airport terminal areas (typically Class D) that become Class G when the tower is closed

Overlapping Airspace

Often in busy terminal areas you will find airspaces stacked on top of each otherLocally we find Class C, D, & E airspace all stacked

underneath Class B

Study your Terminal Area Chart carefully – before flying!

Pick out landmarks and VOR/DME navaids to help you identify complicated airspaces

Any questions so far?

Special Use Airspace

Prohibited AreasRestricted AreasWarning AreasAlert AreasMilitary Operations AreasControlled Firing Areas

Reference: AIM Chapter 3-4

Special use airspace consists of that airspace wherein activities must be confined because of their nature, or wherein limitations are imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities, or both

Except for Controlled Firing Areas, special use airspace areas are depicted on aeronautical charts

Prohibited and Restricted Areas are regulatory special use airspace and are established in FAR Part 73 through the rule-making process

Warning Areas, Military Operations Areas (MOA), Alert Areas, National Security Areas (NSA), and Controlled Firing Areas (CFA) are nonregulatory special use airspace.

Special use airspace descriptions (except NSA's and CFA's) are contained in FAA Order 7400.8

Special use airspace (except CFA's) are charted on IFR and Visual charts and include the hours of operation, altitudes, and the controlling agency



Prohibited Areas

Prohibited Areas contain airspace of defined dimensions identified by an area on the surface of the earth within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited

Such areas are established for security or other reasons associated with the national welfare

These areas are published in the Federal Register and are depicted on aeronautical charts


Restricted Areas Restricted Areas contain airspace identified by an area on the

surface of the earth within which the flight of aircraft, while not wholly prohibited, is subject to restrictions

Activities within these areas must be confined because of their nature or limitations imposed upon aircraft operations that are not a part of those activities or both

Restricted Areas denote the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft such as artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles

Penetration of Restricted Areas without authorization from the using or controlling agency is illegal and may be extremely hazardous to the aircraft and its occupants

Restricted areas are published in the Federal Register and constitute 14 CFR Part 73.


Warning Areas

A Warning Area is airspace of defined dimensions, extending from three nautical miles outward from the coast of the United States, that contains activity that may be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft

The purpose of such warning areas is to warn nonparticipating pilots of the potential danger

A warning area may be located over domestic or international waters or both


Alert Areas

Alert Areas are depicted on aeronautical charts to inform nonparticipating pilots of areas that may contain a high volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity

Pilots should be particularly alert when flying in these areas


Prohibited, Restricted, Warning, and Alert Areas are depicted as enclosed blue boxes with blue lines

Look on the side of the chart for more info, including times of operations and controlling agency

Military Operations Areas MOA's consist of airspace of defined vertical and lateral

limits established for the purpose of separating certain military training activities from IFR traffic.

Whenever a MOA is being used, nonparticipating IFR traffic may be cleared through a MOA if IFR separation can be provided by ATC. Otherwise, ATC will reroute or restrict nonparticipating IFR traffic.

Most training activities necessitate acrobatic or abrupt flight maneuvers. Military pilots conducting flight in Department of Defense aircraft within a designated and active military operations area (MOA) are exempted from the provisions of FAR Part 91.303(c) and (d) which prohibit acrobatic flight within Federal airways and Class B, Class C, Class D, and Class E surface areas.


MOAs are depicted as enclosed magenta boxes with magenta lines

MOA's are depicted on Sectional, VFR Terminal Area, and Enroute Low Altitude Charts

Controlled Firing Areas

CFA's contain activities which, if not conducted in a controlled environment, could be hazardous to nonparticipating aircraft

The distinguishing feature of the CFA, as compared to other special use airspace, is that its activities are suspended immediately when spotter aircraft, radar, or ground lookout positions indicate an aircraft might be approaching the area

There is no need to chart CFA's since they do not cause a nonparticipating aircraft to change its flight path



Hold your fire!Cessna approaching!

Other Airspace Areas

Airport Advisory AreaMilitary Training RoutesTemporary Flight RestrictionsParachute Jump Aircraft AreasPublished VFR RoutesTerminal Radar Service AreaNational Security AreasADIZ


Airport Advisory Area

Area within 10 statute miles of an airport where a control tower is not operating but where a FSS is located

FSS provides advisory service to arriving and departing aircraft. Reference - Traffic Advisory Practices at

Airports Without Operating Control Towers, AIM paragraph 4-1-9.


Military Training Routes (MTR)

Generally, MTR's are established below 10,000 feet MSL for operations at speeds in excess of 250 knots

Route segments may be defined at higher altitudes for purposes of route continuity For example, route segments may be defined for descent, climbout,

and mountainous terrain IFR Military Training Routes – IR

Operations on these routes are conducted in accordance with IFR regardless of weather conditions

VFR Military Training Routes – VR Operations on these routes are conducted in accordance with VFR

except, flight visibility shall be 5 miles or more; and flights shall not be conducted below a ceiling of less than 3,000 feet AGL


Military Training Routes (MTR)Identification and Charting

Route Identification MTRs with no segment above 1,500 feet AGL shall be identified by four number

characters; e.g., IR1206, VR1207 MTRs that include one or more segments above 1,500 feet AGL shall be identified

by three number characters; e.g., IR206, VR207 Alternate IR/VR routes or route segments are identified by using the basic/principal

route designation followed by a letter suffix, e.g., IR008A, VR1007B, etc. Route Charting

IFR Low Altitude Enroute Chart This chart will depict all IR routes and all VR routes that accommodate operations

above 1,500 feet AGL. VFR Sectional Charts

These charts will depict military training activities such as IR, VR, MOA, Restricted Area, Warning Area, and Alert Area information

Area Planning (AP/1B) Chart (DOD Flight Information Publication-FLIP) This chart is published by the DOD primarily for military users and contains detailed

information on both IR and VR routes


MTRs are depicted on the chart as grey lines with IR & VR designations

Temporary Flight Restrictions

The Administrator will issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) designating an area within which temporary flight restrictions apply and specifying the hazard or condition requiring their imposition, whenever he determines it is necessary in order to…[next slide]:

Reference: AIM 3-5-3

Purposes for TFRs Protect persons and property on the surface or in the air from a hazard

associated with an incident on the surface (14 CFR Section 91.137(a)(1)) Provide a safe environment for the operation of disaster relief aircraft (14

CFR Section 91.137(a)(2)) Prevent an unsafe congestion of sightseeing aircraft above an incident or

event which may generate a high degree of public interest (14 CFR Section 91.137(a)(3))

Protect declared national disasters for humanitarian reasons in the State of Hawaii (14 CFR Section 91.138)

Protect the President, Vice President, or other public figures (14 CFR Section 91.141)

Provide a safe environment for space agency operations (14 CFR Section 91.143)

Protect persons or property on the surface or in the air, to maintain air safety and efficiency, or to prevent the unsafe congestion of aircraft in the vicinity of an aerial demonstration or major sporting event (14 CFR Section 91.145)


The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) will specify the hazard or condition that requires the imposition of temporary flight restrictions

Restricted area dimensions can vary – read and understand the NOTAM before flying!Example: 3-5 nautical mile radius and 2,000-2,500

feet AGL for a ground eventExample: 5 nautical mile radius and 17000 MSL or

13000 feet AGL for an aerial demonstrationThe FSS nearest the incident site is normally the

"coordination facility"


Reference: 14 CFR 91.137; 14 CFR 91.145

Example of Common Local TFRs

TFR 5nm radius around PacBell Park or Oakland Coliseum before, during, and after each gameCenter of the TFR specified as distance

along a radial of SAU or OAK VORVice President Cheney came to town in 2002

Various TFRs were specified around Moffet Field and Silicon Valley off of the SJC VOR

Format of NOTAMs for TFRs "FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS“ Location of the temporary flight restrictions area Effective period The area defined in statute miles Altitudes affected FAA coordination facility and commercial telephone number The reason for the temporary flight restrictions The agency directing any relief activities and its commercial

telephone number Any other information considered appropriate by the issuing

authority.


TFRs in Effect Today (4 Feb 2003)

!FDC 3/0926 ZHU PART 1 OF 2 FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS HOUSTON, TEXAS, FEBRUARY 4, 2003 LOCAL. PURSUANT TO TITLE 14, SECTION 91.141 OF THE CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS, AIRCRAFT FLIGHT OPERATIONS ARE PROHIBITED WITHIN THE FOLLOWING AREAS UNLESS OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY ATC. NOTE: FIVE NASA T-38 AIRCRAFT FOR A MISSING MAN FLYBY ARE EXEMPT FROM THESE RESTRICTIONS. 3.0 NMR BLW 3000 FEET AGL OF 293626N/950932W OR THE HUB110006.8 FROM 0302041645 (1045 LOCAL 02/04/03) UNTIL 0302041655 (1055 LOCAL 02/04/03). 3.0 NM BLW 3000 FEET AGL FROM ANY POINT OF THE LINE BETWEEN 293626N/950932W OR THE HUB110006.8 TO 293343N/950540W OR THE HUB115011.1 FROM 0302041655 (1055 LOCAL 02/04/03) UNTIL 0302041710 (1110 LOCAL 02/04/03). END PART 1 OF 2

Flight restrictions in the proximity of the Presidential

and other parties

TFRs in Effect Today (4 Feb 2003)

!FDC 3/0926 ZHU PART 2 OF 2 FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS HOUSTON, TEXAS, FEBRUARY 4, 2003 LOCAL. 3.0 NMR BLW 3000 FEET AGL OF 293343N/950540W OR THE HUB115011.1 FROM 0302041710 (1110 LOCAL 02/04/03) UNTIL 0302041900 (1300 LOCAL 02/04/03). 3.0 NM BLW 3000 FEET AGL FROM ANY POINT OF THE LINE BETWEEN 293626N/950932W OR THE HUB110006.8 TO 293343N/950540W OR THE HUB115011.1 FROM 0302041900 (1300 LOCAL 02/04/03) UNTIL 0302041920 (1320 LOCAL 02/04/03). 3.0 NMR BLW 3000 FEET AGL OF 293626N/950932W OR THE HUB110006.8 FROM 0302041920 (1320 LOCAL 02/04/03) UNTIL 0302041930 (1330 LOCAL 02/04/03). END PART 2 OF 2

TFRs in Effect Today (4 Feb 2003) !FDC 3/0865 ZHU FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS TEXAS AND LOUISIANA

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PURSUANT TO 14 CFR SECTION 91.137(A)(1) TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT DUE TO SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPACE SHUTTLE COLUMBIA ACCIDENT. ONLY RELIEF AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF SEADS (SOUTHEAST AIR DEFENSE SECTOR) ARE AUTHORIZED AT AND BELOW 3000 FEET MSL WITHIN THE AIRSPACE FROM 323700N/961900W AND THE CEDAR CREEK /CQY/ VORTAC 343 DEGREE RADIAL AT 26.3 NAUTICAL MILES TO 314000N/931700W AND THE POLK /FXU/ VORTAC 349 DEGREE RADIAL AT 33.4 NAUTICAL MILES TO 310000N/933800W AND THE POLK /FXU/ VORTAC 248 DEGREE RADIAL AT 22.4 NAUTICAL MILES TO 320000N/963600W AND THE CEDAR CREEK /CQY/ VORTAC 234 DEGREE RADIAL AT 22.4 NAUTICAL MILES TO 323700N/961900W AND THE CEDAR CREEK /CQY/ VORTAC 343 DEGREE RADIAL AT 26.3 NAUTICAL MILES UNLESS OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED BY ATC. SEADS MCC, 850-283-5207, IS IN CHARGE OF THE OPERATION. FORT WORTH CENTER, 817-858-7503, IS THE FAA COORDINATION FACILITY.

Protect persons and property on the surface or in the air from a hazard associated with an incident on the

surface

Parachute Jump Aircraft Areas

Procedures relating to parachute jump areas are contained in 14 CFR Part 105

Tabulations of parachute jump areas in the U.S. are contained in the Airport/Facility Directory

Parachute jump areas that have been used on a frequent basis and that have been in use for one year are depicted on sectional charts


Chart Notation

Published VFR RoutesPublished VFR routes for transitioning around,

under and through complex airspace such as Class B airspace were developed through a number of FAA and industry initiatives

All of the following terms, i.e., "VFR Flyway" "VFR Corridor" and "Class B Airspace VFR Transition Route" have been used when referring to the same or different types of routes or airspace

The following paragraphs identify and clarify the functionality of each type of route, and specify where and when an ATC clearance is required.


VFR Flyways A VFR Flyway is defined as a general flight path not

defined as a specific course, for use by pilots in planning flights into, out of, through or near complex terminal airspace to avoid Class B airspace

VFR Flyways are depicted on the reverse side of some of the VFR Terminal Area Charts (TAC)

These are only suggestions for flying around Class B May be crowded!


VFR Corridors A VFR corridor is defined as airspace through Class B airspace, with

defined vertical and lateral boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or communication with air traffic control.

Essentially a "hole" through Class B airspace A classic example would be the corridor through the Los Angeles

Class B airspace, which has been subsequently changed to Special Flight Rules airspace (SFR)

A corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface like a VFR Flyway.

Because of their finite lateral and vertical limits, and the volume of VFR traffic using a corridor, extreme caution and vigilance must be exercised.

Because of the heavy traffic volume and the procedures necessary to efficiently manage the flow of traffic, it has not been possible to incorporate VFR corridors in the development or modifications of Class B airspace in recent years.


Class B Airspace VFR Transition Routes

A Class B airspace VFR Transition Route is defined as a specific flight course depicted on a Terminal Area Chart (TAC) for transiting a specific Class B airspace

Routes are designed to show the pilot where to position the aircraft outside of, or clear of, the Class B airspace where an ATC clearance can normally be expected with minimal or no delay


Terminal Radar Service Area

A relic from the past of ARSAs & TRSAs Not controlled airspace Not part of current airspace classifications The primary airport(s) within the TRSA become Class

D airspace. The remaining portion of the TRSA overlies other controlled airspace which is normally Class E airspace beginning at 700 or 1,200 feet and established to transition to/from the enroute/terminal environment.


TRSAs are depicted on VFR sectional and terminal area charts with a solid black line and altitudes for each segment

The Class D portion is charted with a blue segmented line

National Security AreasNational Security Areas consist of airspace of

defined vertical and lateral dimensions established at locations where there is a requirement for increased security and safety of ground facilities

Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through the depicted NSA

When it is necessary to provide a greater level of security and safety, flight in NSA's may be temporarily prohibited by regulation under the provisions of FAR Part 99.7.


NSA are depicted on VFR sectional and terminal area charts with a thick segmented magenta line

Regulatory prohibitions will be disseminated by NOTAM

Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ)

ADIZs facilitate early identification of aircraft in the vicinity of U.S. international airspace boundaries prior to entering US domestic airspace

14 CFR Part 99 governs national security in the control of air traffic

Authorizations to deviate from the requirements of Part 99 may also be granted by the ARTCC, on a local basis, for some operations associated with an ADIZ

An Airfiled VFR Flight Plan makes an aircraft subject to interception for positive identification when entering an ADIZ. Pilots are therefore urged to file the required DVFR flight plan either in person or by telephone prior to departure.


ADIZ Exceptions

Except when applicable under 14 CFR Part 99.7, 14 CFR Part 99 does not apply to aircraft operationsWithin the 48 contiguous states and the District of

Columbia, or within the State of Alaska, and remains within 10 miles of the point of departure

Over any island, or within three nautical miles of the coastline of any island, in the Hawaii ADIZ

Associated with any ADIZ other than the Contiguous U.S. ADIZ, when the aircraft true airspeed is less than 180 knots.

SCATANA Plan

During defense emergency or air defense emergency conditions, additional special security instructions may be issued in accordance with the Security Control of Air Traffic and Air Navigation Aids (SCATANA) Plan

The military will direct the action to be taken in regard to landing, grounding, diversion, or dispersal of aircraft and the control of air navigation aids in the defense of the U.S. during emergency conditions.

Questions?

Question 1

What airspace is at the surface of Half Moon Bay (HAF)?

Question 2

Imagine you are 200,000 feet above the runways of Hayward Executive Airport (HWD). Looking straight down, what airspaces do you see at what levels?

Question 3

What are the dimensions of the airspace surrounding Buchanan Field (CCR)? (The airport is near the Concord VOR.)

Question 4

From the surface up to but not including FL 180, what airspace is at and above Byron (C83)? Please state the heights of each airspace.

Question 5

Where is the Class B airspace above San Carlos (SQL)?

Airspace

Aviation 51


+1 650 592-7500

Flight Operations and Requirements with Regards to Airspaces

Now that we have learned how to identify the various types of airspaces, let’s take a look at what we must comply with while in (or not in) those airspaces.

Flight Requirements by Airspace

CFRsEquipment RequirementsPilot Certification RequirementsWeather MinimumsCloud Clearance RequirementsOperating RulesSpecial VFRSpeed Limits

Recall the CFRs we highlighted in the beginning…

CFRs Regarding Airspace and Flight Restrictions 14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B – Flight Rules General

91.101 Applicability91.117 Aircraft Speed91.121 Altimeter Settings91.123 Compliance with ATC Clearances and Instructions91.126 Operating On or In the Vicinity of an Airport in Class G Airspace91.127 Operating On or In the Vicinity of an Airport in Class E Airspace91.129 Operations in Class D Airspace91.130 Operations in Class C Airspace91.131 Operations in Class B Airspace91.133 Restricted and Prohibited Areas91.135 Operations in Class A Airspace91.137 Temporary Flight Restrictions in the vicinity of disaster/hazard areas

91.138 Temporary Flight Restrictions in National Disaster Areas in…Hawaii 91.139 Emergency Air Traffic Rules

91.141 Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of the Presidential and Other Parties91.143 Flight Restrictions in the Proximity of Space Flight Operations

91.144 Temporary Restriction on Flight Operations During Abnormally High Barometric Pressure Conditions

91.145 Management of aircraft operations in the vicinity of aerial demonstrations and major sporting events


CFRs Regarding Airspace and Flight Restrictions

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B – Visual Flight Rules91.155 Basic Weather Minimums


91.159 VFR Cruising Altitude or Flight Level


CFRs Regarding Equipment Requirements

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart C – Equipment, Instrument, and Certificate Requirements 91.203 Civil Aircraft: Certifications Required 91.205 Powered Civil Aircraft with Standard Category U.S.

Airworthiness Certificates: Instrument and Equipment Requirements 91.207 Emergency Locator Transmitters

91.209 Aircraft Lights 91.211 Supplemental Oxygen 91.213 Inoperative Instruments and Equipment 91.215 ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and

Use 91.217 Data Correspondence Between Automatically Reported

Pressure Altitude Data and the Pilot’s Altitude Reference


CFRs Regarding Operations Outside USA

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart H – Foreign Aircraft Operations and Operations of U.S. Registered Civil Aircraft Outside of the United States; and Rules Governing Persons On Board Such Aircraft 91.701 Applicability 91.703 Operations of Civil Aircraft of U.S. Registry Outside of

the United States

91.707 Flights Between Mexico or Canada and the United States



14 CFR Part 91 Subpart J – Waivers 91.903 Policy and Procedures 91.905 List of Rules Subject to Waivers


Hierarchy of Overlapping Airspace Designations

When overlapping airspace designations apply to the same airspace, the operating rules associated with the more restrictive airspace designation apply.Class A is more restrictive than Class B, Class C, Class D,

Class E, or Class G airspaceClass B is more restrictive than Class C, Class D, Class E,

or Class G airspaceClass C is more restrictive than Class D, Class E, or Class

G airspaceClass D is more restrictive than Class E or Class G airspaceClass E airspace is more restrictive than Class G airspace


Overlapping Airspace

Study your Terminal Area Chart carefully – before flying!

Pick out landmarks and VOR/DME navaids to help you navigate correctly through complicated airspaces

Plot your course on both your TAC and Sectional chart, and use both in flight

The ABCs again…

Operating Requirements by AirspaceWeather MinimumsSVFR Weather MinimumsAircraft Speed

CFR References

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart B – Flight Rules General91.126 Operating On or In the Vicinity of an Airport in Class G Airspace

91.127 Operating On or In the Vicinity of an Airport in Class E Airspace

91.129 Operations in Class D Airspace

91.130 Operations in Class C Airspace

91.131 Operations in Class B Airspace

91.135 Operations in Class A Airspace

91.155 Basic Weather Minimums


91.117 Aircraft Speed

Class Golf Direction of turns. When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower in

Class G airspace (1) Each pilot of an airplane must make all turns of that airplane to the left unless the airport displays

approved light signals or visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot must make all turns to the right; and

(2) Each pilot of a helicopter must avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft. Flap settings. Except when necessary for training or certification, the pilot in command of a civil

turbojet-powered aircraft must use, as a final flap setting, the minimum certificated landing flap setting set forth in the approved performance information in the Airplane Flight Manual for the applicable conditions. However, each pilot in command has the final authority and responsibility for the safe operation of the pilot's airplane, and may use a different flap setting for that airplane if the pilot determines that it is necessary in the interest of safety.

Communications with control towers. Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower unless two-way radio communications are maintained between that aircraft and the control tower. Communications must be established prior to 4 nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL. However, if the aircraft radio fails in flight, the pilot in command may operate that aircraft and land if weather conditions are at or above basic VFR weather minimums, visual contact with the tower is maintained, and a clearance to land is received. If the aircraft radio fails while in flight under IFR, the pilot must comply with §91.185

Reference: 14 CFR Part 91.126


Class Echo

Comply with the operating rules for Class G airspace Departures. Each pilot of an aircraft must comply with any traffic

patterns established for that airport in Part 93 of this chapter. Communications with control towers. Unless otherwise authorized

or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower unless two-way radio communications are maintained between that aircraft and the control tower. Communications must be established prior to 4 nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL. However, if the aircraft radio fails in flight, the pilot in command may operate that aircraft and land if weather conditions are at or above basic VFR weather minimums, visual contact with the tower is maintained, and a clearance to land is received. If the aircraft radio fails while in flight under IFR, the pilot must comply with 14 CFR 91.185.



Class Delta Comply with the operating rules for Class G and Class E airspace Must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility providing air

traffic services: Prior to entering Class D airspace On departure from an airport with a control tower, establish and maintain two-way radio

communications with the control tower, and thereafter as instructed by ATC while operating in the Class D airspace area

On departure from a satellite airport without an operating control tower, establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the Class D airspace area as soon as practicable after departing

If the aircraft radio fails in flight under VFR, the pilot in command may operate that aircraft and land if: Weather conditions are at or above basic VFR weather minimums Visual contact with the tower is maintained A clearance to land is received

Minimum altitudes. When operating to an airport in Class D airspace, each pilot of…an airplane approaching to land on a runway served by a visual approach slope indicator shall maintain an altitude at or above the glide slope until a lower altitude is necessary for a safe landing. This does not prohibit normal bracketing maneuvers above or below the glide slope that are conducted for

the purpose of remaining on the glide slope


Class Delta

Approaches. Except when conducting a circling approach under Part 97 of this chapter or unless otherwise required by ATC, each pilot must: Circle the airport to the left, if operating an airplane Avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft, if operating a helicopter.

Departures. No person may operate an aircraft departing from an airport except in compliance with the following: Each pilot must comply with any departure procedures established for that airport by

the FAA. Takeoff, landing, taxi clearance. No person may, at any airport with an operating

control tower, operate an aircraft on a runway or taxiway, or take off or land an aircraft, unless an appropriate clearance is received from ATC. A clearance to "taxi to" the takeoff runway assigned to the aircraft is not a clearance to cross that assigned takeoff runway, or to taxi on that runway at any point, but is a clearance to cross other runways that intersect the taxi route to that assigned takeoff runway. A clearance to "taxi to" any point other than an assigned takeoff runway is clearance to cross all runways that intersect the taxi route to that point.



Class Charlie Comply with the operating rules for Class G, E, and D airspace No person may take off or land an aircraft at a satellite airport within a

Class C airspace area except in compliance with FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns

Must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic services: Prior to entering Class C airspace On departure from an airport with a control tower, establish and maintain

two-way radio communications with the control tower, and thereafter as instructed by ATC while operating in the Class C airspace area

On departure from a satellite airport without an operating control tower, establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area as soon as practicable after departing

Operate a Mode 3/A 4096 or Mode S transponder with Mode C altitude reporting capability

Reference: 14 CFR Part 91.130; 14 CFR Part 91.215


Class Bravo Comply with the operating rules for Class G, E, and D airspace An ATC clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in the Class B airspace

All aircraft that are so cleared receive separation services within the airspace … pilot training operations at an airport within a Class B airspace area must comply with any

procedures established by ATC for such operations in that area No person may take off or land a civil aircraft at an airport within a Class B airspace area or

operate a civil aircraft within a Class B airspace area unless The pilot in command holds at least a private pilot certificate; or The aircraft is operated by a student pilot or recreational pilot who seeks private pilot certification and

has met the requirements of §61.95 of this chapter. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, no person may take off or

land a civil aircraft at those airports listed in Section 4 of Appendix D of this part unless the pilot in command holds at least a private pilot certificate. Don’t land at SFO unless it is an Don’t land at SFO unless it is an emergency!emergency!

Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft within a Class B airspace area unless that aircraft is equipped with: An operable two-way radio capable of communications with ATC on appropriate frequencies for that

Class B airspace area. A Mode 3/A 4096 or Mode S transponder with Mode C altitude reporting capability

Reference: AIM Chapter 3-2-3; 14 CFR Part 91.131


Mode C VeilUnless otherwise authorized by air traffic control,

aircraft operating within this airspace must be equipped with automatic pressure altitude reporting equipment having Mode C capability.

However, aircraft that was not originally certificated with an engine-driven electrical system or which has not subsequently been certified with a system installed, may conduct operations within a Mode C veil provided:The aircraft remains outside Class A, B or C airspace; and

below the altitude of the ceiling of a Class B or Class C airspace area designated for an airport or 10,000 feet MSL, whichever is lower

Reference: AIM Chapter 3-2-3; 14 CFR 91.215

Class Alpha

Except for ATC authorized deviations, each person operating an aircraft in Class A airspace must conduct that operation under IFR and in compliance with the following:Operations may be conducted only under an ATC

clearance received prior to entering the airspace.Must maintain two-way radio communications with

ATC while operating in Class A airspace.Operate a Mode 3/A 4096 or Mode S transponder with

Mode C altitude reporting capability



“How can I remember all theVFR airspace details?”

It is tricky…try to remember what’s most similar, and then remember the exceptions

Note carefully “up to” vs. “at and above” 3sm / 500’ / 1000’ / 2000’

Exceptions:No VFR in Class AClass B is “clear of clouds”Class E at or above 10,000’

Usually bigger, faster aircraft flying there that need more room 5sm /1000’/1000’

Glass G is less crowded and approach speeds are slow: 1200’AGL or less, Day: 1sm and clear of clouds More than 1200’ AGL but less than 10,000’ MSL, Day: Vis. 1sm More than 1200’ AGL and at or above 10,000’ MSL, Day & Night:

Usually bigger, faster aircraft flying there that need more room 5sm /1000’/1000’/1sm



Special VFR Weather Minimums 14 CFR 91.157

[Except around SFO] special VFR operations may be conducted under the weather minimums and requirements of this section, instead of those contained in §91.155, below 10,000 feet MSL within the airspace contained by the upward extension of the lateral boundaries of the controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport.

Special VFR operations may only be conductedWith an ATC clearanceClear of cloudsExcept for helicopters, when flight visibility is at least 1 statute mileExcept for helicopters, between sunrise and sunset (or in Alaska, when the sun is

6° or more below the horizon) unless The pilot and the aircraft meet the applicable requirements for IFR flight

No person may take off or land an aircraft (other than a helicopter) under special VFR

Unless ground visibility is at least 1 statute mile If ground visibility is not reported, unless flight visibility is at least 1 statute mile.

Reference: 14 CFR Part 91 Appendix D, Section 3

Aircraft Speed – 14 CFR 91.117

(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots (288 m.p.h.).

(b) Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C or Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph.). This paragraph (b) does not apply to any operations within a Class B airspace area. Such operations shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) No person may operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a Class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph.).

(d) If the minimum safe airspeed for any particular operation is greater than the maximum speed prescribed in this section, the aircraft may be operated at that minimum speed.

Altimeter Settings – 14 CFR 91.121(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain

the cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when operating (1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft;

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; or

(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure; or

(2) At or above 18,000 feet MSL, to 29.92" Hg.

Compliance with ATC Clearances and Instructions – 14 CFR Part 91.123

(a) When an ATC clearance has been obtained, no pilot in command may deviate from that clearance unless an amended clearance is obtained, an emergency exists, or the deviation is in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory. However, except in Class A airspace, a pilot may cancel an IFR flight plan if the operation is being conducted in VFR weather conditions. When a pilot is uncertain of an ATC clearance, that pilot shall immediately request clarification from ATC.

(b) Except in an emergency, no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised.

(c) Each pilot in command who, in an emergency, or in response to a traffic alert and collision avoidance system resolution advisory, deviates from an ATC clearance or instruction shall notify ATC of that deviation as soon as possible.

(d) Each pilot in command who (though not deviating from a rule of this subpart) is given priority by ATC in an emergency, shall submit a detailed report of that emergency within 48 hours to the manager of that ATC facility, if requested by ATC.

(e) Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person operating an aircraft may operate that aircraft according to any clearance or instruction that has been issued to the pilot of another aircraft for radar air traffic control purposes.

14 CFR Part 91 Subpart J – Waivers 91.903 Policy and Procedures

(a)The Administrator may issue a certificate of waiver authorizing the operation of aircraft in deviation from any rule listed in this subpart if the Administrator finds that the proposed operation can be safely conducted under the terms of that certificate of waiver.

(b) An application for a certificate of waiver under this part is made on a form and in a manner prescribed by the Administrator and may be submitted to any FAA office.

(c) A certificate of waiver is effective as specified in that certificate of waiver.

91.905 List of Rules Subject to WaiversLook for the symbol in previous slides: this denotes which of the

rules we reviewed can be waived as per 91.903. See 91.905 for the complete list of rules which the Administrator may waive.




Prohibited AreasRestricted AreasWarning AreasAlert AreasMilitary Operations AreasControlled Firing Areas


Restricted & Prohibited Areas

14 CFR 91.133No person may operate an aircraft within a

restricted area (designated in Part 73) contrary to the restrictions imposed, or within a prohibited area, unless that person has the permission of the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.

Each person conducting, within a restricted area, an aircraft operation (approved by the using agency) that creates the same hazards as the operations for which the restricted area was designated may deviate from the rules of this subpart that are not compatible with his operation of the aircraft.

Warning Areas

Warning Areas are 3nm offshorePilots should be particularly alert when

flying in these areasPilots should contact the controlling

agency for information and current status of the Warning Area


Alert Areas

Pilots should be particularly alert when flying in these areas

All activity within an Alert Area shall be conducted in accordance with CFRs, without waiver, and pilots of participating aircraft as well as pilots transiting the area shall be equally responsible for collision avoidance


Military Operations Areas

Pilots operating under VFR should exercise extreme caution while flying within a MOA when military activity is being conducted.

The activity status (active/inactive) of MOA's may change frequently. Therefore, pilots should contact any FSS within 100 miles of the area to obtain accurate real-time information concerning the MOA hours of operation.

Prior to entering an active MOA, pilots should contact the controlling agency for advisories.



Although firing activities should cease when spotters see your plane, visually or on radar, pilots should be particularly alert when flying in these areas

Prior to entering an active CFA, pilots should contact the controlling agency for advisories.



Hold your fire!Cessna approaching!

Other Airspace Areas

Airport Advisory AreaMilitary Training RoutesTemporary Flight RestrictionsParachute Jump Aircraft AreasPublished VFR RoutesTerminal Radar Service AreaNational Security AreasADIZ


Airport Advisory Area

FSS provides advisory service to arriving and departing aircraft. Reference - Traffic Advisory Practices at

Airports Without Operating Control Towers, AIM paragraph 4-1-9.

It is not mandatory that pilots participate in the Local Airport Advisory (LAA) program, but it is strongly recommended that they do


Nonparticipating aircraft are not prohibited from flying within an MTR; however, extreme vigilance should be exercised when conducting flight through or near these routes

Pilots should contact FSS's within 100 NM of a particular MTR to obtain current information or route usage in their vicinity

Information available includes times of scheduled activity, altitudes in use on each route segment, and actual route width

Route width varies for each MTR and can extend several miles on either side of the charted MTR centerline

Route width information for IR and VR MTR's is also available in the FLIP AP/1B along with additional MTR (SR/AR) information

When requesting MTR information, pilots should give the FSS their position, route of flight, and destination in order to reduce frequency congestion and permit the FSS specialist to identify the MTR which could be a factor.

Military Training Routes (MTR)



Pilots are responsible to comply with 14 CFR Sections 91.137, 91.138, 91.141, 91.143, and 91.145 when conducting flight in an area where a temporary flight restrictions area is in effect, and should check appropriate NOTAMs during flight planning

http://www.duats.com+1 (800) WX-BRIEF


Parachute Jump Aircraft Areas

Pilots must be alert for other traffic, make appropriate broadcasts on the designated Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), and monitor that CTAF until all parachute activity has terminated or the aircraft has left the area.

Pilots should avoid releasing parachutes while in an airport traffic pattern when there are other aircraft in that pattern.

Prior to commencing a jump operation, the pilot should broadcast the aircraft's altitude and position in relation to the airport, the approximate relative time when the jump will commence and terminate, and listen to the position reports of other aircraft in the area.


VFR FlywaysAn ATC clearance is NOT required to fly these

routes.When operating beneath Class B airspace,

communications must be established and maintained between your aircraft and any control tower while transiting the Class B, C, and D surface areas of those airports under the Class B airspace.

May be crowded!


Class B Airspace VFR Transition Routes

Routes include specific ATC - assigned altitudes, and pilots must obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering the Class B airspace on the route.

Until ATC authorization is received, pilots must remain clear of Class B airspace

On initial contact, pilots should advise ATC of their position, altitude, route name desired, and direction of flight

After a clearance is received, pilot must fly the route as depicted and, most importantly, adhere to ATC instructions


Terminal Radar Service Area

Pilots operating under VFR are encouraged to contact the radar approach control and avail themselves of the TRSA Services. However, participation is voluntary on the part of the pilot.See AIM Chapter 4 for details and procedures.


National Security Areas

Pilots are requested to voluntarily avoid flying through the depicted NSA

When it is necessary to provide a greater level of security and safety, flight in NSA's may be temporarily prohibited by regulation under the provisions of FAR Part 99.7.


Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) Operating Requirements

IFR or DVFR flight plan must be filed before departureExcept in the Alaskan ADIZ – file ASAP after

departureTwo-way RadioAltitude Reporting (Mode C) TransponderPosition Reporting

Specific tolerances applyStudy 14 CFR Part 99 thoroughly before you

penetrate an ADIZ!

Reference: AIM Chapter 5-6-1; 14 CFR Part 99

SCATANA Plan At the time a portion or all of SCATANA is implemented

(during a defense emergency), ATC facilities will broadcast appropriate instructions received from the military over available ATC frequencies.

Depending on instructions received from the military, VFR flights may be directed to land at the nearest available airport, and IFR flights will be expected to proceed as directed by ATC.

Pilots on the ground may be required to file a flight plan and obtain an approval (through FAA) prior to conducting flight operation.

In view of the above, all pilots should guard an ATC or FSS frequency at all times while conducting flight operations. VHF 121.5 OR UHF 243.0

Other Areas to Note

Although not considered particular airspace, I wanted to note areas where your altitude is importantCongested AreasOther than Congested AreasWildlife Refuges

Minimum Safe Altitudes: General14 CFR Part 91.119

Except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following altitudes: (a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an

emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the surface.

(b) Over congested areas. Over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.

(c) Over other than congested areas. An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure

These are only bare minimums as per the regulations! In general it is safer to fly higher!

Flights over Charted U.S. Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and Forest Service Areas

The landing of aircraft is prohibited on lands or waters administered by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or U.S. Forest Service without authorization from the respective agency. Exceptions include: when forced to land due to an emergency beyond the control of the operator, at officially designated landing sites, or an approved official business of the Federal Government.

Pilots are requested to maintain a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet above the surface of the following: National Parks, Monuments, Seashores, Lakeshores, Recreation Areas and Scenic Riverways administered by the National Park Service, National Wildlife Refuges, Big Game Refuges, Game Ranges and Wildlife Ranges administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Wilderness and Primitive areas administered by the U.S. Forest Service. NOTE: FAA Advisory Circular 91-36, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Flight Near Noise-

Sensitive Areas, defines the surface of a National Park Area (including Parks, Forests, Primitive Areas, Wilderness Areas, Recreational Areas, National Seashores, National Monuments, National Lakeshores, and National Wildlife Refuge and Range Areas) as: the highest terrain within 2,000 feet laterally of the route of flight, or the upper-most rim of a canyon or valley.

Reference: AIM Chapter 7-4-6; FAA Advisory Circular 91-36

Flights over Charted U.S. Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and Forest Service Areas

Federal statutes prohibit certain types of flight activity and/or provide altitude restrictions over designated U.S. Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and Forest Service Areas. These designated areas, for example: Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Areas, Minnesota; Haleakala National Park, Hawaii; Yosemite National Park, California; and Grand Canyon National park Arizona are charted on Sectional Charts.

Federal regulations also prohibit airdrops by parachute or other means of persons, cargo, or objects from aircraft on lands administered by the three agencies without authorization from the respective agency. Exceptions include: emergencies involving the safety of human life, or threat of serious property loss

Reference: AIM Chapter 7-4-6; FAA Advisory Circular 91-36

Example: Año Nuevo, CA

Reference: San Francisco Terminal Area Chart

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Airspace Aviation 51 Natasha Flaherty [email protected] +1 650 592-7500 9 Feb 2003 Version 2.1