FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsMedium

A pilot is preparing for a cross-country flight and reviews the sectional chart, noticing a blue dashed line surrounding an airport. What type of airspace does this typically represent?

  1. AClass E airspace extending to the surface.
  2. BClass D airspace.
  3. CClass B airspace.
  4. DClass C airspace.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Class E airspace extending to the surface.

On a sectional chart, Class E airspace that extends down to the surface is depicted by a blue dashed line. This is distinct from Class D (blue segmented circle), Class C (magenta solid and dashed circles), and Class B (solid blue lines).

Why the other options are wrong

  • B. Class D airspace is depicted by a blue segmented circle.
  • C. Class B airspace is depicted by solid blue lines.
  • D. Class C airspace is depicted by solid magenta lines and dashed magenta lines.

Class E Surface Airspace Depiction

On a sectional chart, Class E airspace that extends down to the surface is depicted by a blue dashed line around an airport.

  • Airspace Class: E.
  • Vertical Extent: To the surface.
  • Chart Depiction: Blue dashed line.
  • Often found at airports without an operating control tower.

Memory trick: Colors and lines define the sky's zones.

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