FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsMedium
A remote pilot in command is asked whether a small UAS may legally operate within Class A airspace. What is the correct response?
- AYes, because Class A airspace has no altitude restrictions for UAS operations.
- BNo, because Class A airspace is reserved exclusively for military aircraft.
- CNo, because Class A airspace begins at 18,000 feet MSL, far above the Part 107 maximum altitude.
- DYes, provided the operator obtains an airspace authorization through LAANC.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. No, because Class A airspace begins at 18,000 feet MSL, far above the Part 107 maximum altitude.
Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to FL600 and is used for high-altitude IFR traffic. Since Part 107 limits UAS to 400 feet AGL (absent a waiver), UAS operations never reach Class A airspace, making authorization irrelevant.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Class A airspace does have defined vertical limits (18,000 MSL–FL600); the issue is UAS altitude limits, not airspace limits.
- B. Class A airspace is used by IFR traffic generally, not exclusively military aircraft.
- D. LAANC authorizations apply to Class B, C, D, and surface E airspace, not Class A.
Class A Airspace
Airspace extending from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600, used for IFR operations; not depicted with boundaries on sectional charts.
- Begins at 18,000 ft MSL
- All operations require an IFR clearance
- Part 107 UAS operations cannot practically reach this altitude
- No LAANC authorization exists for Class A
Memory trick: 'A is for Altitude sky-high' — 18,000 feet and above.