AIRSPACE
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
MISSION 1
FTW
INTERSTATE DRIVING
Let’s talk about rules for driving on the interstate.
AIRSPACE
Just like roads - Different sized planes & airports have different airspace needs.
AIRSPACE
Imagine invisible lines drawn on a map that pilots must know.
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
SIDE VIEW
AIRSPACE
CONTROLLED VS. UNCONTROLLED
LOTS OF RULES
FEWER RULES
CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
Designated area of the sky where Air Traffic Control (ATC) services are provided to manage and separate aircraft to ensure safety and efficient flow.
Pilots usually need clearance or permission from ATC before entering, and must maintain communication.
PILOT REQUIREMENTS IN CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
Communication
Clearance
Equipment
Speed Limits
Flight Rules
Separation
Compliance
UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE
Uncontrolled airspace is an area of the sky where air traffic control (ATC)
DOES NOT provide active control or separation services to aircraft.
Pilots operate under more flexible rules but must still follow general aviation regulations.
UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE
Key points about uncontrolled airspace:
No ATC Control: Pilots do not need clearance or continuous communication with ATC to fly here.
Pilot Responsibility: Pilots are responsible for seeing and avoiding other aircraft and obstacles.
Common Classes: Typically includes Class G airspace and some lower parts of Class E.
Flight Rules: Both VFR and IFR flights can operate
Used In: Often found in rural or less busy areas with less dense air traffic.
MOST DRONES FLY IN THIS AIRSPACE
FLIGHT RULES
VISUAL VS. INSTRUMENT
VFR
IFR
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are a set of regulations that allow pilots to fly aircraft primarily by looking outside and navigating using visual references like landmarks, terrain, and other aircraft.
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) are regulations that allow pilots to fly aircraft using instruments inside the cockpit rather than relying on outside visual references. IFR is essential in poor weather or low visibility conditions.
VISUAL FLIGHT RULES
Key elements of VFR for pilots:
Weather Minimums
See and Avoid
Navigation
Airspace Rules
No ATC Clearance Needed
FIRST LICENSE FOR PILOTS
VFR
INSTRUMENT FLIGHT RULES
Instrument Navigation
ATC Clearance Required
Flight Plans
Separation
Weather Conditions
Training and Certification
AIRSPACE CATEGORIES
Image Source: FAA
SIMULATION
LET’S EXPLORE AIRSPACE
OUR SIMULATION
The simulations completed with the Hopper drone were designed to demonstrate the limitations and requirements of flying in controlled airspace.
CLASS B AIRSPACE
CLASS G
Class B airspace is around large airports like Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami, & Chicago.
Airspace is regulated by Air Traffic Control (ATC). IFR & VFR Flights Both IFR and VFR flights allowed but with strict separation. VFR pilots must receive explicit clearance.
CLASS B
400 AGL
CLASS E
14,500 MSL
CLASS A
Image Source: FAA
SHOWN AS SOLID BLUE LINES
Two-way radio and transponder with altitude reporting required.
CLASS G
CLASS C AIRSPACE
CLASS C
400 AGL
CLASS E
14,500 MSL
CLASS A
Class C airspace is around medium airports like Indianapolis, Boise, Jacksonville & El Paso.
Two-way communication with ATC required before entry. Both IFR and VFR flights allowed.
Transponder with altitude reporting required.
Image Source: FAA
SHOWN AS SOLID MAGENTA LINES
CLASS D AIRSPACE
CLASS G
Class D airports are smaller and usually for smaller private planes.
Two-way communication required before entering.
Usually no transponder requirement.
Both IFR and VFR flights allowed.
CLASS D
400 AGL
CLASS E
14,500 MSL
CLASS A
Image Source: FAA
SHOWN AS DASHED BLUE LINES
CLASS G AIRSPACE
CLASS G
Uncontrolled Airspace - No ATC.
RPIC has the responsibility to utilize See-And-Avoid technique to maintain safety.
Recreational Pilots rules are still in effect.
400 AGL
CLASS E
14,500 MSL
CLASS A
YOUR TURN
PART 1
PART 2