FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)Airspace and Operating RequirementsMedium
A remote pilot reviewing a sectional chart sees a dashed magenta line encircling a small airport with no operating control tower. What does this symbol indicate about the airspace?
- AIt is Class E airspace that extends down to the surface, requiring the same authorization as Class D
- BIt marks the boundary of a Military Operations Area
- CIt indicates a Temporary Flight Restriction is currently in effect
- DIt is Class G airspace with no altitude restrictions
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It is Class E airspace that extends down to the surface, requiring the same authorization as Class D
A dashed magenta line around an airport denotes Class E airspace extending to the surface (often at non-towered fields with instrument approach procedures); sUAS operations there require the same controlled-airspace authorization process as Class D airspace.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. MOAs use different magenta hatched symbology, not a simple dashed line around an airport.
- C. TFRs are not depicted with dashed magenta lines on standard sectionals.
- D. Class G is uncontrolled and not marked with magenta dashed lines.
Class E Surface Area
Controlled airspace extending to the surface around certain airports, depicted by a dashed magenta line on sectional charts; requires authorization for sUAS operations like Class D.
- Dashed magenta line = Class E to surface
- Common at non-towered airports with instrument approaches
- Requires LAANC or manual authorization to operate
Memory trick: Dashed magenta = 'Down to the ground' controlled airspace.