FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCEasy
A dispatcher is flight planning a jet that will cruise at FL200 over the contiguous United States. Per 14 CFR Part 71, what class of airspace exists at this altitude?
- AClass C airspace
- BClass A airspace
- CClass E airspace
- DClass B airspace
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Class A airspace
Class A airspace in the contiguous U.S. extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600. Since FL200 (20,000 ft) falls within that range, the flight is operating in Class A airspace and must be conducted under IFR.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Class C is terminal airspace around smaller towered airports, not enroute at FL200.
- C. Class E is controlled airspace below 18,000 MSL in most areas, not at FL200.
- D. Class B surrounds major terminal areas but does not extend to FL200 enroute.
Class A Airspace
Controlled airspace from 18,000 ft MSL up to and including FL600 over the contiguous U.S., requiring IFR operation.
- Extends 18,000 MSL to FL600
- All operations must be conducted IFR
- ATC clearance and instrument rating required
Memory trick: 'A' is for 'Altitude Above 18,000' — always IFR.