What is a Class E surface area?


What is a Class E surface area? Class E surface areas extend upward from the surface to a designated altitude, or to the adjacent or overlying controlled airspace. When designated, the airspace will be configured to contain all instrument procedures.


What is the difference between Class D and Class E airspace?

Class D is used for all control zones and most terminal areas. Class E is generally used for all airspace from 3500 feet to FL195, with the exception of TMA's and airspace over the North Sea. Class F is not used. Class G is used below 3500 feet, except around controlled airports, and below FL195 over the North Sea.


What is the floor of Class E airspace when designated in conjunction with an airport?

Class E airspace consists of all controlled airspace that is not associated with Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace. This airspace is typically found around airports that do not have an operating control tower or en route airspace above 700 feet AGL or 1,200 feet AGL.


What is the difference between class E and G?

On a map, Class G's ceiling is the floor of Class E airspace. And, it's always exclusive. For example, if Class E starts at 700 feet AGL, Class G goes up to, but doesn't include, 700 feet AGL. Class G airspace is most easily found on a sectional map when a fading, thick blue line appears.


Does Class D become Class E?

At some airports that have part-time control towers, the Class D surface airspace becomes a Class E Surface Area during the hours the tower is closed. At other airports, the Class D airspace becomes Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.


What does Class E airspace look like?

In a Class E transition area, the Class E floor drops down to 700 feet AGL. On a sectional map, you can find these transition areas by looking for a broad, magenta line that is fuzzy on the inner side. It often surrounds individual airports or groups of airports.


How is the Class E surface depicted?

Class E Surface Area is depicted on the sectional with a dashed magenta line – – – – -. Sometimes Class E airspace goes all the way down to the surface of the ground. This is called Class E surface area. In general, we don't need permission to fly in Class E airspace.


Do you need permission to fly in Class E airspace?

Class E airspace does not prohibit drone flight to anyone, but some circumstances require prior authorization. Class E4 and E3 airspaces do not require prior authorization, but Class E surface area (E2) airspace surrounds small airports and does require airspace authorization.


What is Class E on a flight?

E - Shuttle Service (no reservation allowed) or Economy/Coach Discounted. F - First Class. G - Conditional Reservation. H - Economy/Coach Discounted – Usually an upgradable fare to Business. J - Business Class Premium.


What is a Class E transition area?

Transitional areas, Class E, are designated to serve terminal and en route aircraft to include helicopter operations such as: Transitioning to/from terminal and en route. Transiting between airways and routes. En route climbs or descents.


Is all airspace Class E?

Most airspace in the United States is class E. The airspace above FL600 is also class E. No ATC clearance or radio communication is required for VFR flight in class E airspace. VFR visibility and cloud clearance requirements are the same as for class C and D airspaces when below 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL.