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Questions tagged [class-e-airspace]

Airspace where IFR and SVFR flights require ATC clearance, and, in return, are provided with separation services by ATC, but VFR flights do not, and are not.

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Class Echo Control Tower Procedures

Northern Colorado Regional Airport (KFNL) resides within a surface echo. This airport, however, has an operating control tower. When VFR in echo airspace, ATC services are provided but not mandatory. ...
Michael Dauphinee's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
81 views

Victor airways that have a floor above 1200 ft AGL

Chapter 5, section 3 of the AIM says that victor airways are "designated from 1200 ft above the surface (*or in some instances higher) up to but not including 18,000 ft MSL." What are the ...
Terry's user avatar
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2 answers
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What ceiling does the FAA consider to be controlling for FAR 91.155(c)?

What ceiling does the FAA consider to be controlling for FAR 91.155(c)? The ceiling reported at the airport for which the surface-level controlled airspace is designated, or the ceiling directly ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
850 views

Reasoning Behind Individual Airspace Designations

Is there a site that explains the reasoning behind each individual airspace designation? I ask this because the sectional chart shows a 6 NM radius area centered at about 40°22'30.0"N 77°37'30.0&...
Rocky Scott's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
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What are lateral boundaries? [duplicate]

In regard to: 103.17 OPERATIONS IN CERTAIN AIRSPACE No Person may operate an ultralight vehicle within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface ...
ThatGuyRJ's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
515 views

How does 700 AGL class E protect IFR traffic?

Sometimes class E airspace goes down to 700 AGL to protect IFR traffic departing/approaching an airport. But I'm failing to understand how this works in practice. Let's look at one example: N51 ...
Hot.PxL's user avatar
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6 votes
2 answers
315 views

Why does the surface-level Class E airspace at SIT/PASI (Sitka Alaska) extend so far to the northwest?

The August 1992 Final Rule "Terminal Airspace Reconfiguration" (page 38963, Federal Register Volume 57 No 167, August 27 1992) (link to pdf of entire issue opening to this page) stated that ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
154 views

May a pilot take off from an outlying airport in Class E Surf area if conditions at t/o airport are above all relevant mins, but not at main airport?

Assume there is an airport at the town of "Kearny", SE of KSHR. Assume there is no official weather reporting there. Assume a pilot on the ground determines ceiling and visibility to be ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
156 views

May a SVFR clearance be granted if the ceiling and visibility at the associated airport are unlimited?

The scenario-- ceiling and visibility at KSHR are unlimited, but there is an area of broken low cloud extending east from the town of Big Horn, the base of which appears to be around 900 to 1000' AGL. ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
461 views

SVFR required when transitioning through class E to the surface?

So my question is that since we are transitioning through a class E surface area, do we need an SVFR clearance? Part 91.155(c) is not applicable since we are not beneath the ceiling of 1000 ft; ...
Wes's user avatar
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4 answers
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When did this content first appear in the "Airspace" entry of the "Legend" section of the Airport/ Facilities directory?

When did language like NOTE: AIRSPACE SVC TIMES INCLUDE ALL ASSOCIATED ARRIVAL EXTENSIONS. Surface area arrival extensions for instrument approach procedures become part of the primary core surface ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
347 views

Do the NPRMs & Final Rules preceding 1993 "alphabet" airspace re-designation indicate that these phrases were meant to exclude Class E "extensions"?

Note-- this question is specifically about the content in the rule-making documents leading up to the September 16 1993 "alphabet" airspace re-designation, which is when the terms "...
quiet flyer's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
774 views

How does an airspace class change from E to D affect already airborne aircraft?

In the US, there are some airports with a part-time tower. When the tower is in operation, the airspace around the airport is class D and requires communication with the tower. When the tower is ...
Azendale's user avatar
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What airspace class is the New York Hudson/East River SFRA airspace, and what is its visibility requirements?

In general, the airspace below a Class B shelf is Class E airspace until 1200' or (more often) 700' AGL, and then Class G to the surface. Immediately surrounding the Hudson and East Rivers in New York ...
Hot.PxL's user avatar
  • 517
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1 answer
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Class G Airspace ceiling: 700' versus 1200'

Why does on various images, such as below, have 1200' and 700' AGL for Class G Airspace? Why is it sometimes 1200' and other times 700' AGL? Other than the altitude, how are the 1200' and 700' ...
Jesh Kundem's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
156 views

Are weather-reporting requirements for an airport in Class D airspace more stringent than for an airport in surface-level Class E airspace?

In the US, are weather-reporting requirements for an airport in Class D airspace more stringent than for an airport in surface-level Class E airspace? Are there other requirements that would cause an ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
718 views

Why depict TRSA on a map?

Participation in TRSA services is completely optional. The depicted airspace is all still class E, and you can fly straight through it sans radio or transponder without violating any regulation. ...
StephenS's user avatar
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In the US, are there any operational control towers located in surface-level Class E airspace or in Class G airspace?

(This question pertains to the airspace of the United States.) FAR 91.126 gives some general rules for operating at or near airports in Class G airspace, and FAR 91.127 gives some general rules for ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
377 views

On the LAANC map for sUAS operations, why does the permitted ceiling drop to zero southeast of KGFL?

Above is a screenshot1 from the LAANC map for obtaining authorization to operate sUAS (model airplanes, "drones", etc), centered on KGFL, which is Floyd Bennett airport near Glens Falls NY. ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

How do I obtain permission to fly in surface class E airspace under FAR-103?

I'm a paramotor pilot operating under FAR 103, and I'm trying to determine who I need to ask for permission to fly in class E airspace that extends to the surface and is designated for an airport. For ...
sndsgd's user avatar
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1 answer
2k views

How to arrive and depart surface class E airspace

I fly VFR. I found all the information about the airspaces and I believe I understood everything. What I'm still struggling to find is how to properly arrive and depart surface class E airspace ...
Alex K's user avatar
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1 vote
2 answers
1k views

What is the meaning of "transition area" as used by the FAA? Has the meaning changed over time since the term was introduced?

What is the meaning of "transition area" as used by the FAA? Does it currently have a specific meaning? Does the FAA still use the term at all? Has the meaning changed over time since the term was ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
515 views

What is the floor of the class E airspace near KRHV when the tower is closed?

See the attached diagram snippet for KRHV in Northern California. The chart supplement says that when the tower is closed the airport surface is class G. At this time, what is the floor of class E in ...
rvernica's user avatar
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1 answer
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In reference to airspace, what does the FAA mean by "within the lateral boundaries of"? Is this construed to also imply a vertical limit?

Several FARs use the phrase "within the lateral boundaries of" (x airspace). What does the FAA interpret this phrase to mean? Specifically, what is the vertical extent of the airspace encompassed by ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
875 views

What indication has the FAA given that phrases like "surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport" do or don't include E4 "extensions"?

This question pertains to the airspace of the USA. The dashed magenta shape on the sectional chart around KGUP depicts the horizontal extent of the Class-E-to-surface at KGUP. Inside this perimeter, ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
708 views

In the US, how does the distinction between E2 and E3/E4 airspace affect pilots?

In the US, practically speaking, how does the distinction between the E2 and E3/E4 subtypes of Class E airspace affect pilots?
quiet flyer's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
132 views

How may one notify the FAA of the apparent flaw in the airspace design at KEGE?

Several questions and answers have addressed the design of the airspace around KEGE. The situation is perhaps best summarized in this answer -- Can the Class-E-to-surface airspace near Eagle County ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
7 votes
2 answers
986 views

As a drone hobbyist, is flying below the listed FAA UAS ceiling a violation of controlled airspace?

FAA (emphasis mine): In Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace [controlled airspace] or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, the ...
csstudent's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
151 views

To what FAA office or personnel should one direct an inquiry about the reasons behind the airspace design at a particular airport?

The airspace design process is extremely complex. See for example this FAA document, Order 7400.2M. To what FAA office or personnel should one direct an inquiry about the reasons behind the design ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
315 views

What are the historical precedents of today's E2 and E4 airspace? (US)

What are the historical precedents of today's E2 and E4 airspace? From what previous airspace classes did these airspaces evolve? How do these precedents help us understand the significance of the ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
11 votes
3 answers
4k views

What are E2 and E4 airspace?

We have a number of questions here about E2 vs. E4 airspace (see summary of links in this answer) but what does that mean? As far as I can see, neither the AIM nor the ATC Orders mention E2 or E4 ...
Pondlife's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
467 views

What are all the US airports where E4 "extensions" change to E2 and become part of a larger E2 "surface area" when the tower closes for the night?

Of all the US airports with part-time control towers and with E4 "extensions", in which cases are the airspace definitions written so that the E4 "extensions" change to E2 and become part of a larger ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
266 views

In the US, in actual practice, workload permitting, will ARTC facilities grant SVFR clearance for surface-level Class E "extensions" (E4 airspace)?

In the US, in actual practice, workload permitting, will ARTC Centers and Approach Control facilities grant clearance for Special VFR operations in surface-level Class E "extensions" (E4 ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
222 views

In the US, can airspace simultaneously be E2 and E4? What happens at KSTC to the airspace in the dashed magenta boundary when the tower closes?

In the US, can the same airspace simultaneously be E2 and E4? Consider the case of KSTC -- St. Cloud Regional Airport, MN. http://vfrmap.com/?type=vfrc&lat=45.546&lon=-94.059&zoom=10 On ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
551 views

May the Class-E-to-surface airspace near Eagle County Regional airport (KEGE) and Marshall AAF (KFRI) be ignored when the tower is open?

May the Class-E-to-surface designation indicated by the dashed magenta lines outside the dashed blue circle at Eagle County Regional airport (KEGE) be ignored when the tower is open? Likewise at ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
253 views

Measurement discrepancy on vfrmap dot com sectional -- is the grid wrong?

At Nome Alaska-- KOME-- the E2 airspace (dashed magenta line) is listed as extending 13.2 (nautical) miles east of the airport-- according to this source page E-9 -- https://www.faa.gov/...
quiet flyer's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
140 views

Considering all US untowered airports, what is the furthest distance that E2 airspace (dashed magneta line) projects from the airport?

Considering all US untowered airports (50 states), what is the furthest distance that E2 airspace (dashed magneta line) projects from the airport for which it is designated? Measure from the middle ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
259 views

Why are KACV and KTLV depicted differently on sectional charts than KSGU, KBIH, and KTPL, even though each is E2 w/ E4 extensions?

This question specifically is about non-towered airports surrounded by round circles of E2 airspace, with one or more "extensions" of E4 airspace that abut the E2 airspace. Therefore it is not the ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
100 views

Has there been a recent change in the airspace configuration at KFYV-- Drake Field near Fayetteville AR?

Has there been a recent change in the airspace configuration at KFYV-- Drake Field near Fayetteville AR? If so, where can we find an official description of that change? KFYV -- Drake Field airport ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
10 votes
2 answers
965 views

What is the primary reason that the non-towered airports ACV, TVL, SGU, BIH, and SIT/PASI have E4 extensions to E2 airspace?

NOTE-- this question is not about why it was desired to protect the airspace that ended up within the E4 "extensions". Rather, this question is about why that was done by designating that ...
quiet flyer's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why do some airports have class E airspace to the surface only at certain times?

Below is the depiction of the Truth or Consequences airport on the VFR sectional. Notice that it states that Class E to the surface is only effective for certain hours. The Chart Supplement lists ...
DLH's user avatar
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0 votes
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What requirements aren't met, that would designate an airspace to be Class E instead of A, B, C, or D?

Quoted from Transport Canada "Class E airspace is designated where an operational need exists for controlled airspace but does not meet the requirements for Class A, B, C, or D." Class A airspace ...
ApolloMission4's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
512 views

E class airspace(transition area)

Extension area(E airspace) shown as shaded magenta start from 700AGL but how to measure 700AGL over the water like in this picture? Cuz there’s no land…
Steven Ryu's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
829 views

What is the purpose of this interesting pattern of class E airspace in northwest Alaska?

Perusing SkyVector today I noticed this airspace pattern: It can be viewed in more detail here. What immediately jumped out at me is that there are no charted airports in any of this airspace; the ...
Peter Schilling's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
470 views

What class is the airspace at KGCN when the tower is closed?

I was wondering if someone could help me figure out how the airspace around the Grand Canyon National Park Airport (KGCN) works. The chart supplement here says: AIRSPACE: CLASS D svc 1 Jun thru 30 ...
slantalpha's user avatar
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0 votes
1 answer
3k views

Can a commercial aircraft theoretically reach 60,000ft? [duplicate]

As per this question: Altitudes above 60,000 feet are class E airspace. That means that, if you are lucky enough to have an aircraft that flies that high, once you get there you could theoretically ...
Cloud's user avatar
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1 vote
3 answers
966 views

Can ATC provide VFR flight following to a VFR aircraft in class E airspace?

Just wondering if ATC can do this or not. I'd also appreciate input on whether it's useful or a good idea, and how it looks in the real world.
slantalpha's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
7k views

Why does U.S. airspace revert to class E above flight level 600?

According to Wikipedia, airspace defaults to class E below 18,000 feet AMSL (that is, all airspace below 18,000 feet AMSL is class E unless otherwise specified), whereas all airspace from 18,000 feet ...
Vikki's user avatar
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4 votes
3 answers
444 views

Is the official weather report for an airport in Class D airspace controlling for its Class E surface extension?

If the official weather report for an airport for which Class D airspace is designated is showing IMC, is that controlling for a Class E surface extension (designated for that airport)? For example, ...
user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
1k views

Does an SVFR clearance extend to Echo surface extensions?

Sec. 91.157 Special VFR weather minimums. (a) Except as provided in appendix D, section 3, of this part, special VFR operations may be conducted under the weather minimums and requirements of this ...
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