FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceHard
A pilot flying VFR in a remote area of the western United States, far from any airport, notes on the sectional chart that no magenta Class E floor symbols or blue Class B/C/D boundaries are depicted overhead. What is the vertical extent of the Class G airspace at this location?
- AClass G airspace extends from the surface up to but not including 14,500 feet MSL, since there is no overlying Class E airspace
- BClass G airspace extends from the surface up to but not including 700 feet AGL only
- CClass G airspace extends from the surface up to but not including 1,200 feet AGL only
- DClass G airspace does not exist in the United States outside of Alaska
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Class G airspace extends from the surface up to but not including 14,500 feet MSL, since there is no overlying Class E airspace
In many sparsely populated areas of the western U.S. where controlled (Class E) airspace does not exist, Class G (uncontrolled) airspace extends from the surface all the way up to, but not including, 14,500 feet MSL, above which Class E airspace typically begins nationwide.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 700 feet AGL is a common Class E floor near airports with instrument approaches, not the extent in areas lacking Class E entirely.
- C. 1,200 feet AGL is another common Class E floor, but does not apply where no Class E exists overhead.
- D. Class G airspace exists throughout the U.S., including remote areas of the lower 48 states.
Class G Airspace Extent
Uncontrolled airspace that extends from the surface up to the base of overlying controlled (Class E) airspace; in areas without Class E, it can extend up to 14,500 feet MSL.
- Typical Class E floors are 700 ft or 1,200 ft AGL near airports
- In remote western U.S. areas lacking Class E, Class G extends to 14,500 ft MSL
- Above 14,500 MSL, Class E airspace generally begins nationwide (except in specific excluded areas)
Memory trick: No magenta on the map? Class G climbs sky-high to 14,500!