Airspace

OBJECTIVE
•     To develop the pilot’s understanding of airspace and operations within it.

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ELEMENTS

• Basic VFR Weather Minimums—for all classes of airspace 
  
• Airspace classes—the operating rules, pilot certification, and airplane equipment requirements for: 
  
• Class A, B, C, D, E, & G 
  
• Special use airspace and other airspace areas 
  
• Prohibited Areas 
  
• ARSA/TRSA 
  
• Special Flight Rules Areas & VFR Corridors 
  
• Special VFR 
  
• Emergency Air Traffic Rules 
  
• ADIZ, including the Washington D.C. ADIZ & warning signals 
  
• TFRs 
  
• NSAs 
  
• MTRs 
  
• Controlled Firing Areas 
  
• Military Intercept Procedures 
  

COMPLETION STANDARDS

• Exhibits knowledge of the elements related to the National Airspace System by explaining: 
  
• Basic VFR weather minimums—for all classes of airspace 
  
• Airspace classes—their operating rules, pilot certification, and airplane equipment requirements for the following— 
  
• Class A 
  
• Class B 
  
• Class C 
  
• Class D 
  
• Class E 
  
• Class G
  
• Special Use Airspace (SUA) 
  
• Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) 
  
• Completes D.C. ADIZ program 
  

COMMON ERRORS

• Not checking NOTAMs before flight 
  
• Failure to recognize NOTAMs 3/1862, 4/4386, and 4/0811 are still in effect and have been for years. Check NOTAMs for latest revisions and/or cancellations 
  
• Failure to understand NOTAMs and not asking questions until NOTAM understood 
  

THINGS TO REMEMBER

• G = Good 
  
• E = Everywhere D = De airport! 
  
• C = Communicate B = Big & Busy 
  
• A = Altitude
  
• Use the “Trial of Lawn Chair Larry” for airspace review. Google “Lawn Chair Larry” for details. Question to ask students: “What violations did the FAA attempt for Larry’s flight?” 
  
• Airspace is the number one violation of the VFR pilot
  
• NOTAMs change airspace, so do A/FDs 
  
• GPS Databases need to be current in order to use displays to avoid airspaces 
  
• TFRs are airspace! 
  
• The Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security can direct the FAA to suspend or revoke pilot 
  
• certificates for violation of Presidential TFRs and/or ADIZ for inadvertent violations.
  
• Certain TFRs and Prohibited Areas can expand and contract at anytime.  Be familiar with your flight routes and the
  
• effect of delays on nearby TFRs, Restricted Areas, and Prohibited Areas.
  
• Give airspace a wide buffer, +/- 300 feet and +2 miles for Class B or C 
  
• AIM Categories of Airspace
  
• CFIs: Pick point on chart, have student explain airspace and weather as if in elevator from ground level through 18,000’. Change time of day to night and then have student explain airspace. 
  
• Pick point on chart and ask “where does Special VFR expire?” 
  

STUDY

• “Aeronautical Information Manual” Ch. 3 
  
• 14 CFR Part 91 
  
• Airport/Facilities Directory 
  
• FAA’s “Washington D.C. ADIZ/FRZ Instruction Program”, 14 CFR 91.161 (see www.faasafety.gov) 
  
• VFR Charts 
  
• “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” Ch. 13 & 14