✈️ Task E – National Airspace System

Objective:
To ensure the applicant demonstrates satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skill in identifying and operating within various classes of airspace—including controlled, uncontrolled, special use, and other designated airspace—under VFR conditions.

References:
14 CFR Parts 61, 91 | FAA-H-8083-25 | FAA-H-8083-3 | FAA Chart Supplement | AIM Ch. 3 | FAA Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide

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🧠 Knowledge Areas

📘 PA.I.E.K1 – Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements

Controlled Airspace

Class A

• Altitude: 18,000 ft MSL up to FL600
• IFR operations only
• Requirements: IFR clearance, Mode C transponder, ADS-B Out
• Speed Limit: Not applicable (IFR only)

Class B

• Altitude: Surface to 10,000 ft MSL (typically)
• Surrounds major airports
• Requirements: ATC clearance, Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out (within 30 NM Mode C veil)
• Speed Limits:
  • 250 knots below 10,000 ft MSL
  • 200 knots beneath Class B shelves or in VFR corridors

Class C

• Altitude: Surface to 4,000 ft AGL
• Two-tiered structure (usually 5 NM inner core, 10 NM outer shelf)
• Requirements: Two-way radio contact, Mode C transponder, ADS-B Out
• Speed Limit: 200 knots at or below 2,500 ft AGL within 4 NM of primary airport

Class D

• Altitude: Surface to 2,500 ft AGL
• Smaller towered airports
• Requirements: Two-way radio communication before entry
• Speed Limit: 200 knots at or below 2,500 ft AGL within 4 NM of the airport

Class E

• Controlled airspace not classified as A, B, C, or D
• Begins at 700 ft AGL, 1,200 ft AGL, or at the surface depending on location
• Supports IFR and VFR operations
• Types of Class E Airspace:
  • E1 – Surface Area: For IFR operations at non-towered airports (dashed magenta line)
  • E2 – Extensions to Surface Area: Protects IFR arrivals/departures
  • E3 – Transition Area: Begins at 700 or 1,200 ft AGL (shaded magenta or blue)
  • E4 – Victor Airways: 1,200 ft AGL to 17,999 ft MSL, 8 NM wide
  • E5 – General Controlled: Fills in between other classes
  • E6 – Offshore: 14,500 ft MSL to 18,000 ft MSL, extends beyond 12 NM offshore
• Speed Limit: 250 knots below 10,000 ft MSL

Uncontrolled Airspace

Class G

• Surface to the base of overlying Class E (typically 700 or 1,200 ft AGL)
• No ATC services provided
• Speed Limit: 250 knots below 10,000 ft MSL (general rule)

🚫 General FAA Speed Limits (14 CFR §91.117)

• 250 knots max below 10,000 ft MSL (all airspace)
• 200 knots max:
  • Within Class C or D at or below 2,500 ft AGL and within 4 NM of primary airport
  • Beneath Class B shelves or in VFR corridors

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📘 PA.I.E.K2 – Chart Symbols

• Understand VFR sectional chart symbols using the FAA Aeronautical Chart User’s Guide
• Be able to interpret:
  • Airspace boundaries (Class B, C, D, E surface and transition areas)
  • Airport symbols (towered, non-towered, lighting, fuel availability)
  • Navigation aids (VOR, VORTAC, NDB)
  • Obstruction markings with MSL/AGL heights, lighting indicators
  • Special Use Airspace outlines and frequencies
  • VFR waypoints and ATIS/CTAF frequencies
• Use the chart legend and margin information effectively

🧠 Tip: Always cross-reference chart symbols with the FAA Chart User’s Guide for checkride prep.

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📘 PA.I.E.K3 – Special Use Airspace and Other Airspace

Special Use Airspace (SUA):

• Prohibited Areas: No entry allowed (e.g., P-56 near Washington, D.C.)
• Restricted Areas: Entry allowed only when inactive or with permission; may contain hazards
• Warning Areas: Offshore airspace with hazards to nonparticipating aircraft
• MOAs (Military Operations Areas): VFR traffic permitted with extreme caution
• Alert Areas: High volume of pilot training or unusual activity
• Controlled Firing Areas (CFAs): Not charted; activities stop when aircraft detected

Other Airspace Areas:

• TFRs: Found in NOTAMs; issued for temporary events (e.g., VIP movements, wildfires)
• NSAs (National Security Areas): Voluntary avoidance unless otherwise required by NOTAM
• ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone): Requires flight plan, transponder, and two-way radio
• MTRs (Military Training Routes): Low-altitude, high-speed ops; shown as VR/IR routes
• Wildlife Refuges & Parks: FAA recommends minimum 2,000 ft AGL over these areas
• Parachute Jump Areas: Found on sectional and in Chart Supplement; monitor CTAF and use caution

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⚠️ Risk Management

📘 PA.I.E.R1 – Operations Within Various Airspace Classes

• Confirm aircraft meets airspace equipment and communication requirements
• Be aware of lateral/vertical airspace limits during planning and in-flight
• Monitor NOTAMs for changes to SUA and TFRs
• Stay proficient in chart interpretation to avoid airspace violations
• Adjust routes and altitudes to avoid restricted or congested areas when appropriate

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🧪 Skill Demonstration

📘 PA.I.E.S1 – Identification and Interpretation on a Sectional

The applicant must demonstrate:

• Accurate identification of airspace classes, limits, and operating requirements
• Interpretation of VFR sectional chart symbols including airspace, SUA, and airport data blocks
• Knowledge of entry/communication/equipment requirements for each airspace type
• Recall of VFR visibility and cloud clearance minimums
• Use of sectional charts, FAA Chart Supplement, and EFB to ensure safe, legal navigation

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