FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsEasy
A pilot plans a flight at 20,000 feet MSL over the continental United States. What airspace classification will the pilot be operating in, and what minimum equipment is required?
- AClass A airspace; the aircraft must be operated under IFR with an appropriately rated pilot
- BClass G airspace; VFR flight is unrestricted at this altitude
- CClass B airspace; a Mode C transponder and two-way radio are required
- DClass E airspace; VFR flight is permitted with no special equipment required
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Class A airspace; the aircraft must be operated under IFR with an appropriately rated pilot
Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600 over the continental U.S. All operations in Class A airspace must be conducted under IFR, regardless of weather conditions, and the aircraft must be equipped and the pilot instrument rated.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace near the surface, not at 20,000 feet.
- C. Class B airspace is a surface-based designation around major airports, not a nationwide altitude band.
- D. Class E does not exist at this altitude; Class A airspace begins at 18,000 feet MSL.
Class A Airspace
Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to FL600 over the continental U.S. and requires all operations to be conducted under IFR.
- No VFR flight is permitted in Class A airspace
- Pilot must hold an instrument rating and file an IFR flight plan
- Aircraft must be equipped for IFR flight, including a transponder
Memory trick: 'A' stands for 'Always IFR' above 18,000 feet