Airspace Operations
Operations on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class A, B, C, D, E, G, and restricted and
prohibited airspace are as follows:
Class A Airspace
Each person operating an aircraft in Class A airspace must conduct that operation
under IFR and in compliance with the following:
1. Clearance Operations may be conducted only under an ATC clearance
received prior to entering the airspace.
2. Communications Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft operating
in Class A airspace must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of
communicating with ATC on a frequency assigned by ATC. Each pilot must
maintain two-way radio communications with ATC while operating in Class A
airspace.
3. Equipment requirements Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may
operate an aircraft within Class A airspace unless that aircraft is equipped with
the applicable equipment specified in CFR 91.215, and after January 1, 2020,
CFR 91.225.
4. ATC authorizations An operator may deviate from any provision of this section
under the provisions of an ATC authorization issued by the ATC facility having
jurisdiction of the airspace concerned. In the case of an inoperative transponder,
ATC may immediately approve an operation within a Class A airspace area
allowing flight to continue, if desired, to the airport of ultimate destination
(including any intermediate stops) and/or proceed to a place where suitable
repairs can be made. Requests for deviation from any provision of this section
must be submitted in writing at least 4 days before the proposed operation. ATC
may authorize a deviation on a continuing basis or for an individual flight.
Class B Airspace
Operating rules No person may operate an aircraft within a Class B airspace area
except in compliance with CFR 91.129 and the following rules:
1. The operator must receive an ATC clearance from the ATC facility having
jurisdiction for that area before operating an aircraft in that area.
2. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each person operating a large turbine
engine-powered airplane to or from a primary airport that a Class B airspace area
is designated must operate at or above the designated floors of the Class B
airspace area while within the lateral limits of that area.
3. Any person conducting pilot training operations at an airport within a Class B
airspace area must comply with any procedures established by ATC for such
operations in that area.
Pilot requirements No person may take off or land a civil aircraft at an airport within a
Class B airspace area or operate a civil aircraft within a Class B airspace area unless:
1. The pilot in command holds at least a private pilot certificate
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