FAA Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA)Navigation and AirspaceMedium
A pilot is flying at 15,500 feet MSL over a remote area of the continental U.S. where no Class B, C, or D airspace and no other special airspace is depicted. What class of airspace is the aircraft operating in?
- AClass B airspace
- BClass E airspace
- CClass A airspace
- DClass G airspace
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Class E airspace
In the contiguous U.S. (excluding certain areas of Alaska), Class E airspace has a floor of 14,500 feet MSL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL, except in areas designated for Class G below 1,500 feet AGL. Since 15,500 feet MSL is within this range and no other airspace is depicted, it is Class E.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Class B airspace must be specifically designated around a major airport, not a default floor.
- C. Class A airspace begins at 18,000 feet MSL, above this altitude.
- D. Class G at this altitude only exists below 1,500 ft AGL in specific areas, not at 15,500 MSL.
Class E Floor at 14,500 MSL
Except in Alaska and areas below 1,500 ft AGL, Class E airspace extends from 14,500 feet MSL up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL nationwide.
- Applies even without depicted magenta/blue boundaries
- Excludes airspace below 1,500 ft AGL
- Terminates at 18,000 ft MSL where Class A begins
Memory trick: '14,500 to 17,999 — Everywhere Else is E.'