Figure 3‐18
U.S. Airspace Classification
elevation. Each aircraft must establish two‐way radio communications with the
ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to entering Class C airspace and
must maintain communication as long as it remains in the airspace.
Class D airspace is generally airspace from the surface of the earth to 2,500 feet
above airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding airports with an
operational control tower. The configuration of each Class D airspace area is also
individually tailored and designed to accommodate any published instrument
procedures. Arrival extensions for instrument approach procedures (IAPs) may
be Class D or Class E airspace. Unless otherwise authorized, each aircraft must
establish two‐way radio communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic
services prior to entering the airspace and maintain communication thereafter.
Class E airspace is controlled airspace that is not classified as Class A, B, C, or D.
A large amount of the airspace over the United States is designated as Class E
airspace.
Uncontrolled airspace, or Class G airspace, is any portion of the nation’s airspace that has
not been designated Class A, B, C, D, or E. Class G airspace extends from the surface of
the earth to the base of the overlying Class E airspace. Although ATC has no authority or
responsibility to control air traffic in uncontrolled areas, pilots should remember there
are visual flight rules (VFR) minimums that apply to Class G airspace.
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Arizona Army National Guard Profile