Know Before You Go

Class C airports are generally larger and busier than class

D airspace

D • The boundary of the airspace is depicted by

Dashed blue lines

Most of the US is covered by class

E and G airspace

Communication-recommended airspace

Echo Golf • Pilot should self announcer position and intentions where appropriate to aid collision avoidance

TRSA offers radar service to pilots

Entering, exiting, or transiting the area.

TRSA's were originally part of the terminal radar program at selected airports in the

Former U.S airspace system. They remained when the US converted to an airspace class system similar to the ICAO system in 1993

Are all airports surrounded by class D or higher airspace?

No, although rare, some towered airports are surrounded by class E or class G airspace Ex: KTME (Houston e Executive)

Class D airspace

Normally if an airport has an operating control tower, the air space surrounding it is at least class D

VFR transit routes are shown on the front of certain terminal area charts (TACs) as

Open magenta arrows

Mode C viels require aircraft to have an

Operable Mode C or Mode S altitude-reporting transponder.

When weather conditions drop below VFR minimums,

Pilots can request a special VFR clearance from ATC if the visibility is at least 1 mile and it's possible to remain clear of clouds. Many class B areas do not allow SVFR operations.

TRSA information is found in the

Sectional chart panel

Main source of airspace information for VFR pilots

Sectional charts and TACa (Terminal Area Charts)

VFR flyways are shown on the back of certain terminal area charts as

Shaded blue arrows

B • Boundaries are depicted by

Solid blue lines

TRSA boundaries are depicted by

Solid gray lines with floors and ceilings indicated in each area, similar to class B and C airspace. Adding two zeros to the number figures indicate the boundaries of the airspace in feet msl.

C • Boundaries are depicted by

Solid magenta lines

A ____ next to the tower frequency indicates that part-time hours exist

Star • check the chart supplements US for specific hours of operation (formerly A/FD)

Is participation in TRSA necessary?

Strictly voluntary. However,if you decide to cancel TRSA Service or change your intentions, you must notify ATC

TRSA

Terminal Radar Service Area surrounds some class D airports.

Many class S airports have part-time control towers. When the tower is closed,

The airspace converts to either class E or G that extends from the surface

Transponder requirements - altitude reporting transponders are required in certain areas

The boundaries depicted by a thin, solid magenta line

In general, the larger and busier the airport,

The more complex its airspace

Ceiling of class B airspace area generally extends up to

10,000 msl (Boston's class B extends up to 7,000 msl)

Airports *without* a precision instrument approach convert to class G airspace up to

700 agl

Class B areas utilize a variety of shapes and sizes to

Aid in the flow of traffic. This can be a simple upside down wedding cake style to complex ones (Seattle).

Communication-Required Airspace

Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta

They cover the airspace within 30 nm of Class

B airports and exist to help ATC manage aircraft more efficiently in high traffic areas

VFR transition routes take you through class

B airspace and require an ATC clearance. Routes specifics are listed in the TAC panel

VFR corridors are defined as airspace through class

B airspace with defined vertical and lateral boundaries in which VFR aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or communication w/ ATC (a VFR corridor is a hole through class B airspace) Ex: SFR area in Los Angles, CA

Class B airspace is found near major cities. Unlike class C and D airspace, establishing communication with ATC is only the first step when flying into class

B airspace. • Pilots must then receive an explicit clearance into class B by ATC before entering the airspace

Adding two zeros to the numbers inside the brackets indicates the

Ceiling of the class D airspace Ex: [25] --> 2,500 msl Or 2,500 alg in 3D view

In 1993, the US converted it's existing airspace classification system to a modified version of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) by creating six basic classes of airspace

Class A B C D E G (Class F airspace can be found internationally, but does not exist in the U.S)

TACs (Terminal Area Charts) are especially helpful when flying in or near

Class B airspace (they provide a more detailed view of the terminal area and its surroundings)

VFR flyways keep you clear of

Class B and do not require an ATC clearance

Class F airspace

Class F is uncontrolled airspace where ATC will provide separation for IFR aircraft only so far as practical

What is the difference between class E and G

Cloud clearances and weather minimums

ACTs Communication Required

Communication is required here because air traffic is relatively dense in these areas. Controllers coordinate aircraft operations to keep the system running efficiently and to prevent collisions.

Two main categories of airspace

Communication-required airspace Communication-recommended

Airports *with* a precision instrument approach convert to Class E airspace from

The surface

Altitude-Transponders ate required when:

• Above 10,000 msl, excluding the airspace at and below 2,500 agl • Overflying Class B airspace • overflying class C airspace

Some of the rules and procedures we apply today were created in response to the

Midair collision of a DC-7 and a Lockheed Constellation over the Grand Canyon in 1956

VFR transition routes and flyways

In some class B areas, options exist to help VFR traffic transit the congested airspace

Is class E a controlled airspace

Interaction with ATC is not required for VFR operations