Airspace Classifications A-G: Complete Guide for FAA Part 107 Exam

📅 Updated January 2025 ⏱️ 24 min read ✍️ FAA-certified instructors 🗺️ Chart examples included

Understanding airspace classifications is consistently reported as one of the most challenging—and most heavily tested—topics on the FAA Part 107 exam. This comprehensive guide breaks down all airspace classes (A through G), explains how to read sectional charts, and shows you exactly how to obtain authorization for controlled airspace operations.

📊 Exam Weight: Airspace questions make up approximately 22% of the Part 107 exam (~13 of 60 questions), making it the second-most tested topic after Operations. Mastering this material is essential for passing.

Why Airspace Classification Matters

The National Airspace System (NAS) is divided into different classes of airspace, each with specific rules, entry requirements, and weather minimums. As a commercial drone pilot, you must:

Identify which airspace class you're operating in using sectional charts
Know whether you need authorization before flying
Understand altitude limitations and restrictions
Recognize special use airspace and temporary flight restrictions
Be able to request authorization through LAANC or DroneZone

Flying in controlled airspace without proper authorization can result in severe penalties, including certificate suspension, fines up to $27,500, and even criminal charges in egregious cases.

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace

All U.S. airspace falls into one of two categories:

Controlled Airspace (Classes A, B, C, D, E)

Controlled airspace is where Air Traffic Control (ATC) has the authority to control aircraft traffic and provide services. In controlled airspace:

ATC provides services to IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) aircraft
Specific entry requirements must be met
Drone pilots typically need authorization before flying
Weather minimums are more stringent

Uncontrolled Airspace (Class G)

Class G is the only uncontrolled airspace in the United States. In uncontrolled airspace:

ATC provides no services (advisory only if contacted)
No prior authorization required for drone operations
Less restrictive weather minimums
Pilots operate with more freedom but equal responsibility

The Six Airspace Classes Explained

Class A Airspace

Controlled

Altitude Range

18,000 feet MSL to Flight Level 600 (approximately 60,000 feet MSL)

Characteristics

The highest altitude airspace used by commercial airliners and high-performance aircraft
All operations must be conducted under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)
All aircraft must have an ATC clearance
Pilots must be instrument-rated
Not charted on sectional charts (assumed above 18,000 feet)

Drone Operations

Part 107 drones cannot operate in Class A airspace. With a maximum altitude of 400 feet AGL (or 400 feet above a structure), recreational and commercial drones remain far below Class A airspace. This class is relevant only to understand complete airspace structure.

Class B Airspace

Controlled

Altitude Range

Surface to 10,000 feet MSL (typically)

Characteristics

Surrounds the busiest airports in the U.S. (LAX, JFK, O'Hare, Atlanta, etc.)
Shaped like an upside-down wedding cake with multiple shelves
Each shelf is larger and starts at a higher altitude as you move away from the airport
Designed to funnel high volumes of airliner traffic safely
Typically has a 30-40 nautical mile diameter
Mode C Veil extends 30 NM from primary airport (transponder required for manned aircraft)

Chart Depiction

Solid Blue Lines

Class B airspace is shown with thick, solid blue lines on sectional charts. Numbers indicate floor and ceiling (e.g., "100/SFC" means 10,000 feet ceiling to surface).

Drone Operations

⚠️ Authorization Required: You MUST obtain prior authorization from ATC before operating in Class B airspace, regardless of altitude.

Authorization Method: LAANC (instant to near-instant approval at pre-approved altitudes) or FAADroneZone (manual approval, 60+ days)
Typical Approval Altitudes: Vary by location, often 0-100 feet in busy areas
Requirements: Valid Part 107 certificate, registered drone, appropriate authorization

Class C Airspace

Controlled

Altitude Range

Surface to 4,000 feet above airport elevation (typically)

Characteristics

Surrounds airports with moderate traffic, typically with radar approach control
Usually requires 100+ passenger enplanements per day on commercial flights
Two-tier structure: core area (5 NM radius) and outer shelf (10 NM radius)
Inner circle extends from surface; outer shelf typically starts at 1,200 feet AGL
Active only during tower/approach control operating hours
Reverts to Class D or E when approach control closes

Chart Depiction

Solid Magenta Lines

Class C airspace is shown with thick, solid magenta lines. Numbers show altitude limits (e.g., "40/SFC" means 4,000 feet to surface).

Drone Operations

⚠️ Authorization Required: ATC authorization is required for all operations in Class C airspace.

Authorization Method: LAANC (typically approved within minutes to hours) or FAADroneZone
Approval Process: Less restrictive than Class B but still requires coordination
Typical Timeline: 24-48 hours for LAANC requests above facility map altitudes

Class D Airspace

Controlled

Altitude Range

Surface to 2,500 feet above airport elevation (typically, but can extend higher)

Characteristics

Surrounds airports with an operating control tower but no approach control
Always extends from the surface (no shelves like Class B and C)
Typically 4-5 nautical mile radius around the airport
Active only when control tower is operating
Reverts to Class E or G when tower closes
Most common controlled airspace for smaller airports

Chart Depiction

Dashed Blue Lines

Class D airspace is shown with dashed blue lines. Since it always starts at the surface, you'll typically just see ceiling notation.

Drone Operations

⚠️ Authorization Required: Prior ATC authorization required for Class D operations.

Authorization Method: LAANC (near real-time at approved altitudes) or FAADroneZone
Note: Easier to get authorization than Class B or C
Tower Hours: Check chart supplement for when tower is active

Class E Airspace

Controlled

Altitude Range

Variable: Surface, 700 feet AGL, 1,200 feet AGL, or 14,500 feet MSL

Characteristics

Class E is controlled airspace that doesn't fit into Classes A, B, C, or D. It's the most complex and widespread controlled airspace:

Most common: Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL over most of the United States
Near airports: Can extend down to 700 feet AGL or even to the surface
Victor Airways: All airways are Class E unless they're in higher-priority airspace
Western U.S.: May start at 14,500 feet MSL in mountainous areas
Extends upward: To but not including 18,000 feet MSL (where Class A begins)

Chart Depiction (Critical for Exam)

Class E airspace uses three different visual indicators:

Shaded Magenta Line (Fading)

Class E starts at 700 feet AGL on the "faded" side. These are transition areas around airports without towers.

Dashed Magenta Line

Class E extends to the surface. Found at airports with weather reporting but no control tower.

Shaded Blue Line

Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL. This is the default when no other indicators are present.

Drone Operations

It depends on the type of Class E airspace:

Class E to surface (dashed magenta): Authorization required (LAANC or DroneZone)
Class E at 700 or 1,200 feet: No authorization required for operations under 400 feet AGL

💡 Exam Tip: Class E airspace is measured in AGL (Above Ground Level), while most other airspace classes use MSL (Mean Sea Level). This is a common source of confusion and exam questions!

Class G Airspace

Uncontrolled

Altitude Range

Surface to base of overlying controlled airspace (typically 1,200 feet AGL)

Characteristics

The only uncontrolled airspace in the United States
No ATC services provided (advisory only if requested)
Found in areas with low air traffic volume
Most common from surface to 1,200 feet AGL in rural areas
Can extend higher in mountainous Western U.S.
Provides the most operational freedom

Chart Depiction

Class G airspace is NOT explicitly marked on sectional charts. It's identified by the absence of other airspace markings. If you don't see any controlled airspace indicators, you're in Class G.

How to Identify Class G:

No blue or magenta lines nearby
No shading indicating Class E floors
Typically found at low altitudes in rural areas
Extends up to the base of Class E (usually 1,200 feet AGL)

Drone Operations

No authorization required! Class G airspace offers the most freedom for drone operations:

Fly up to 400 feet AGL without authorization
Can fly up to 400 feet above structures while within 400 feet horizontally
Must still comply with all other Part 107 rules (VLOS, daylight, etc.)
Monitor for TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions)
Check for NOTAMs before flight

Quick Reference: Airspace Comparison Table

Class	Type	Altitude	Chart Symbol	Drone Authorization
A	Controlled	18,000' MSL to FL600	Not charted	N/A (too high for drones)
B	Controlled	Surface to 10,000' MSL	Solid blue lines	Required (LAANC/DroneZone)
C	Controlled	Surface to ~4,000' AGL	Solid magenta lines	Required (LAANC/DroneZone)
D	Controlled	Surface to ~2,500' AGL	Dashed blue lines	Required (LAANC/DroneZone)
E	Controlled	Variable (SFC, 700', 1,200')	Dashed/shaded magenta or blue	Only if E to surface
G	Uncontrolled	Surface to base of E	No marking (default)	None required

Special Use Airspace

Beyond the lettered airspace classes, the FAA designates special use airspace for activities that require segregation from normal air traffic. Drone pilots must be aware of these areas:

Prohibited Areas

Chart Symbol: Blue hatched border with "P-XX" designation
Restrictions: Flight is absolutely forbidden at all times
Examples: White House (P-56), Camp David, sensitive military sites
Consequences: Military interception, severe penalties

Restricted Areas

Chart Symbol: Blue hatched border with "R-XXXX" designation
Purpose: Contains hazardous activities (artillery firing, missile launches)
Active Status: Check chart or NOTAM for active times
Operations: Prohibited when active; may transit when inactive with caution

Warning Areas

Chart Symbol: Blue hatched border with "W-XXX" designation
Location: Extends from 3 to 12 nautical miles offshore
Activities: Military training, weapons testing
Restrictions: Entry not prohibited but strongly discouraged

Military Operations Areas (MOAs)

Chart Symbol: Magenta hatched border with MOA name
Purpose: Military training operations, high-speed maneuvers
Restrictions: Not prohibited for drones but exercise extreme caution
Recommendation: Contact controlling agency before flight

Alert Areas

Chart Symbol: Magenta hatched border with "A-XXX" designation
Purpose: Unusual aerial activity (parachute jumps, glider operations, flight training)
Restrictions: None, but heightened vigilance required

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)

⚠️ Critical: TFRs can appear with little notice and violating them is a serious offense.

Purposes: Presidential movement, disaster relief, sporting events, wildfires, security
Duration: Temporary (hours to weeks)
Checking: Always check tfr.faa.gov or B4UFLY app before flying
Stadium TFRs: 3 NM radius, surface to 3,000 feet, 1 hour before to 1 hour after events

LAANC: The Airspace Authorization System

The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) has revolutionized how drone pilots obtain airspace authorization.

What is LAANC?

LAANC is a collaboration between the FAA and approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS) that provides:

Near real-time airspace authorization (seconds to minutes)
Automated processing at pre-approved altitudes
Available 24/7 through mobile apps and web portals
Coverage at 700+ airports nationwide
Authorization for both day and night operations

UAS Facility Maps

LAANC uses UAS Facility Maps (UASFM) that divide airspace around airports into grids. Each grid shows:

Maximum approved altitude: The altitude at which you can receive instant authorization
0 feet grids: Areas where instant approval is not available (must request further coordination)
Color coding: Often displayed in green (approved), yellow (caution), red (restricted)

How to Use LAANC

Choose an Approved USS: AirMap, Aloft, Kittyhawk, Skyward, DroneZone, and others
Create account: Provide your Part 107 certificate number and contact info
Plan your flight: Enter location, date, time, and maximum altitude
Submit request: The app shows if your request is at or below the facility map altitude
Receive authorization: Instant for altitudes within the grid, or 72+ hours for "further coordination"
Save confirmation: Keep authorization with you during flight

💡 LAANC Pro Tips:

Requests can be made up to 90 days in advance
You can have up to 5 overlapping authorizations within 100 NM of each other
Authorization is valid for the specific time, location, and altitude requested
Night operations require completion of updated Part 107 training
Always check for TFRs even with a valid LAANC authorization

When LAANC Isn't Available

For airports not covered by LAANC, use FAADroneZone:

Manual processing at FAA Air Traffic Service Centers
Longer processing time: 60-90 days recommended
Available at all airports, not just LAANC-enabled facilities
Process: Log into DroneZone → Create Part 107 Authorization → Submit details

Reading Sectional Charts: Essential Skills

Sectional charts are your primary tool for identifying airspace. Here's what you need to master for the Part 107 exam:

Chart Basics

Scale: 1:500,000 (1 inch = approximately 8 statute miles)
Updates: Published every 56 days; always use current charts
Coverage: Sectional charts cover the entire United States
Download: Free at faa.gov or SkyVector.com

Critical Chart Elements

Airport Symbols

Magenta circle: Airport without hard-surface runway or runway less than 8,069 feet
Blue circle: Airport with hard-surface runway 8,069 feet or longer
Star in circle: Part-time control tower (check tower hours)
No star: No control tower or tower operates 24 hours

Elevation and Altitude Notations

MSL (Mean Sea Level): Altitude relative to sea level
AGL (Above Ground Level): Altitude relative to ground directly below
Important: Add two zeros to airspace altitude numbers (45 = 4,500 feet)

Obstructions

Symbol: Inverted "V" with numbers
Example: 1850 (820) means 1,850 feet MSL, 820 feet AGL
UC: Under construction
Group of obstructions: Highest and number shown

Frequencies

CTAF (Common Traffic Advisory Frequency): Circle with "C" - frequency for pilot self-announcements
ASOS/AWOS: Automated weather frequencies
Asterisk (*): Part-time operation

Master Airspace for Your Part 107 Exam

Practice with realistic airspace questions, interactive sectional chart exercises, and scenario-based problems.

Start Practice Questions →

Exam Strategy: Airspace Questions

The Part 107 exam includes approximately 13 airspace questions. Here's how to approach them:

Before You Start

Grab the chart supplement: You'll receive FAA-CT-8080-2H with sectional chart excerpts
Reference it constantly: Even if you think you know the answer
Take your time: These questions often require careful chart reading

Common Question Types

1. Airspace Identification

"What class of airspace exists at the position indicated?"

Look for blue/magenta lines or shading
Check if lines are solid or dashed
Note any altitude numbers

2. Authorization Requirements

"Do you need authorization to fly at this location?"

Identify the airspace class first
Remember: B, C, D, and surface E require authorization
Class G never requires authorization

3. Altitude Limits

"What is the floor/ceiling of Class E airspace here?"

Shaded magenta = 700 feet AGL
Dashed magenta = surface
Shaded blue = 1,200 feet AGL
Add ground elevation for MSL calculations

4. Chart Symbol Interpretation

"What does this symbol indicate?"

Use the legend in the testing supplement
Don't rely on memory—double-check
Pay attention to colors and line styles

Tricky Areas to Watch For

MSL vs. AGL: Class E uses AGL; most others use MSL
Adding zeros: "45" on a chart means 4,500 feet
Part-time towers: Airspace class may change when tower closes
Class E to surface: Requires authorization even though it's Class E
MOAs: Not restricted but advise caution

Real-World Application

Understanding airspace isn't just about passing the exam—it's about safe, legal operations. Here's a practical workflow:

Pre-Flight Airspace Check

Identify your location
- Use B4UFLY app, sectional chart, or LAANC app
- Determine exact GPS coordinates
Determine airspace class
- Look for colored lines and shading on chart
- Note altitude limits
Check for TFRs and NOTAMs
- Visit tfr.faa.gov
- Use B4UFLY or LAANC app
- Check for stadium TFRs if near sports venues
Obtain authorization if needed
- Submit LAANC request if in controlled airspace
- Wait for approval confirmation
- Save authorization document
Document and carry proof
- Keep LAANC authorization on phone/printed
- Have Part 107 certificate available
- Carry registration proof

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming all Class E doesn't need authorization: Class E to surface (dashed magenta) requires it
Confusing AGL and MSL: Remember Class E uses AGL measurements
Not checking for TFRs: LAANC authorization doesn't override TFRs
Flying in restricted areas: "Restricted" means restricted, not prohibited—but check active times
Ignoring part-time towers: Class D/C may revert to different classes when tower closes
Operating without authorization: "I didn't know" is not a defense

Summary: Key Takeaways

Master These Concepts:

Classes A, B, C, D, E are controlled; only Class G is uncontrolled
Authorization required for B, C, D, and surface Class E
Solid blue lines = Class B; Solid magenta = Class C; Dashed blue = Class D
Class E shading: magenta (700 AGL), dashed magenta (surface), blue (1,200 AGL)
Class G has no chart marking—it's what's left over
LAANC provides near-instant authorization at 700+ airports
Always check for TFRs before every flight
Special use airspace (P, R, W, MOA, Alert) has specific restrictions
Use the chart supplement legend on every exam question

Airspace classification is complex, but with practice reading sectional charts and understanding the authorization process, it becomes second nature. Invest the time to master this topic—it's not only essential for passing the Part 107 exam but critical for safe, compliant operations throughout your drone career.

Continue Your Part 107 Study

Disclaimer: This guide is based on current FAA regulations as of January 2025. Always verify information with official FAA sources and current sectional charts. The author is a certified remote pilot sharing educational content and does not represent the FAA.