FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsHard
While planning a mission, a remote pilot examines a sectional chart and sees an airport surrounded by a dashed blue line. What class of airspace does this symbol represent, and what does it mean for Part 107 operations at that airport?
- AClass E surface area; authorization required only at night
- BClass G airspace; no authorization is required
- CA restricted area; sUAS operations are prohibited entirely
- DClass D airspace; ATC authorization is required before flight
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Class D airspace; ATC authorization is required before flight
A dashed blue line on a sectional chart depicts the lateral boundary of Class D airspace, typically extending from the surface up to a specified altitude around a towered airport. Part 107 requires prior ATC authorization (often via LAANC) before operating within it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Class E surface areas are shown with a dashed magenta line, not blue.
- B. Class G has no depicted boundary line at all, unlike the dashed blue symbol shown.
- C. Restricted areas are shown with blue hash marks and different labeling, not a plain dashed blue circle.
Sectional Chart Airspace Symbols
Sectional charts use distinct line styles/colors to depict airspace classes: solid blue (B), solid magenta (C), dashed blue (D), dashed magenta (E surface).
- Class D: dashed blue line, surface up to a charted altitude
- Class C: solid magenta line with shelves
- Class B: solid blue line with multiple altitude tiers
- Class G: no boundary depicted (uncontrolled)
Memory trick: 'Dashed and blue means D is for you' — authorization needed.