FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceEasy
A pilot is flying in an area with no Class E surface area established around a nearby airport. In the absence of higher controlled airspace, Class G airspace typically extends from the surface up to:
- A1,200 feet AGL
- B3,000 feet AGL
- C700 feet AGL
- D14,500 feet MSL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 1,200 feet AGL
In most of the contiguous United States, Class G (uncontrolled) airspace extends from the surface up to 1,200 feet AGL, where Class E controlled airspace typically begins.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 3,000 feet AGL is not a standard Class G ceiling.
- C. 700 AGL applies only where Class E begins lower, near certain airports with instrument approaches.
- D. 14,500 MSL is the Class G ceiling only in certain remote/mountainous western areas.
Class G Airspace Vertical Extent
Uncontrolled Class G airspace generally exists from the surface up to 1,200 ft AGL nationwide, though it can extend higher in remote areas or lower near airports with instrument procedures.
- Standard floor of Class E is 1,200 AGL.
- Near some airports, Class E floor (and thus G ceiling) is 700 AGL.
- In parts of the western US, Class G can extend up to 14,500 MSL.
Memory trick: 'Twelve hundred is the standard' — G stops where E starts.