CHAPTER 6
AIRSPACE CLASSIFICATION
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for the safe and efficient use
of airspace in the United States. Since this airspace includes areas where military
aircraft operations take place, Navy air traffic controllers must comply with FAA air traffic
rules and regulations.
There are two categories of airspace or airspace areas: regulatory and nonregulatory.
Regulatory airspace is designated, altered, or revoked by rule, regulation, or order.
Within these two categories, there are four types: controlled, uncontrolled, special use,
and other airspace. The categories and types of airspace are assigned based on the
complexity or density of aircraft movements, the nature of operations conducted within
the airspace, the level of safety required, and the national and public interest.
This chapter introduces you to those operational requirements and the terms associated
with each area of airspace. The information is compiled from the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and Procedures for
Handling Airspace Matters, FAA Order 7400.2.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The material in this chapter will enable you to:
Recognize the types of airspace
Identify the purpose of airways
Identify the purpose of jet routes
State how airspace is charted
Identify rules and restrictions associated with each type of airspace
CONTROLLED AIRSPACE
As an air traffic controller, you will need to become familiar with controlled airspace, its
restrictions and limitations, and the dimensions associated with the different
classifications of airspace.
VHF Omnidirectional Range and Low/Medium Frequency Airways
System and Jet Route System
Two route systems have been established for air navigational purposes within the
National Airspace System (NAS): The VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) and
Low/Medium Frequency (L/MF) airways system and the jet-route system. These
systems can be viewed as highways in the sky. They are designated routes and are
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