by wkitty42 » Sun Jun 25, 2017 9:50 pm
@PavlinS:
start here (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airspace_class_(United_States)) for the basics and then you can back up to here (
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airspace_class) for how they are defined and used in other countries...
but just for a quick set of quotes:
- Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet (5,500 m) mean sea level MSL to FL600 (approximately 60,000 feet (18,000 m) MSL)
- Class B airspace normally begins at the surface... The upper limit of class B airspace is normally 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL.
- The vertical boundary [ed: of Class C] is usually 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the airport surface.
- Class D airspace is generally cylindrical in form and normally extends from the surface to 2,500 feet (760 m) above the ground.
- Class E is Controlled airspace which is neither class A, B, C nor D.[8] In most areas of the United States, class E airspace extends from 1,200 feet (370 m) AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet (5,500 m) MSL,
- Class F is not used in the US.
- Class G airspace includes all airspace below 14,500 feet (4,400 m) MSL not otherwise classified as controlled.
there's more to it than just the altitudes, though... it also has to do with the area around the airport as well... some also have certain requirements (eg: working ATC and tower)... the above is just very general and quick to help you get started... go read those wiki pages, though... they'll help a lot and your airport charts will also help... i know that when i fly in the US, i use "sectionals" which show the various circles around the airports where the different airspace classes are in effect...
"You get more air close to the ground," said Angalo. "I read that in a book. You get lots of air low down, and not much when you go up."
"Why not?" said Gurder.
"Dunno. It's frightened of heights, I guess."