FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceEasy
A pilot is approaching a Class C airport depicted with two solid magenta circles on the sectional chart. Within the inner 5 NM radius, the Class C airspace normally extends from the surface up to:
- A4,000 feet AGL
- B1,200 feet AGL
- C10,000 feet MSL
- D2,500 feet AGL
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 4,000 feet AGL
The standard Class C airspace 'core' extends from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation within a 5 NM radius. The outer shelf (5–10 NM) typically runs from 1,200 to 4,000 feet AGL.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 1,200 AGL is the shelf floor, not the core's ceiling.
- C. 10,000 MSL relates to Mode C veil and general speed limits, not Class C structure.
- D. 2,500 AGL is not a standard Class C dimension.
Class C Airspace Structure
Class C airspace generally consists of a 5 NM radius core from the surface to 4,000 ft AGL and a 10 NM radius shelf from 1,200 to 4,000 ft AGL.
- Two-way radio and radar contact required before entry.
- Depicted with solid magenta circles.
- No specific pilot certification required, unlike Class B.
Memory trick: 'Core to 4, shelf from 1.2 to 4' — think of an upside-down wedding cake.