FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Navigation and Flight PlanningMedium
A pilot is planning a VFR flight at 7,500 feet MSL. The flight will pass through an area depicted on the sectional chart by a solid magenta line. This indicates:
- AThe boundary of Class C airspace.
- BThe boundary of Class B airspace.
- CThe boundary of Class G airspace extending up to 1,200 feet AGL.
- DThe boundary of Class E airspace beginning at 700 feet AGL.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The boundary of Class E airspace beginning at 700 feet AGL.
A solid magenta line on a sectional chart indicates the boundary of Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet AGL. This is common around airports without operating control towers but with instrument approaches, or areas where more controlled airspace is needed for IFR traffic below 1,200 feet AGL.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Incorrect. Class C airspace is depicted by solid magenta lines, but they are typically segmented and outline a specific core and shelf at a primary airport.
- B. Incorrect. Class B airspace is depicted by solid blue lines.
- C. Incorrect. Class G airspace generally extends up to 1,200 feet AGL but is not depicted with a solid magenta line; it is the default uncontrolled airspace below controlled airspace.
Solid Magenta Line (Sectional)
On a sectional chart, a solid magenta line delineates the boundary of Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet AGL.
- Indicates Class E airspace extending upwards from 700 feet AGL.
- Often found surrounding smaller airports with instrument approaches.
- Differs from dashed magenta (Class E surface area) or blue lines (Class B/C/D).
Memory trick: Magenta is E for Elevated, Blue is B, C, D for Busy.