National Airspace System

Transcription

1 National Airspace System Class Golf Class G Airspace What You Need To Know Class G airspace is the only form of "uncontrolled" airspace in the United States. It isn't charted and exists wherever Class A, B, C, D or E doesn't. What do you need to know about Class G airspace? This section covers: What Class G airspace is How to find it on a sectional chart VFR weather minimums Radio communication requirements Speed restrictions Required equipment inside Class G airspace 1 of 8

2 What Is Class G Airspace? 1. Intro Class E Airspace Like Class E airspace, you'll fly through Class G airspace at airports (the "terminal environment") and while en route. However, Class G airspace isn't controlled. Neither VFR (visual flight rules) nor IFR (instrument flight rules) aircraft need an ATC clearance to operate in Class G airspace. It's also confusing to find on a map, because it isn't charted. So how do you find it? Class G Airspace On The Chart Class G airspace exists wherever Class A, B, C, D or E airspace doesn't. Practically, it starts at the surface and extends up until it hits Class E airspace. If you haven't learned about Class E and how charts depict it, do that now. On a map, Class G's ceiling is the floor of Class E airspace. And, it's always exclusive. Example 1: Class G Under Class E Starting At 700' AGL If Class E starts at 700' AGL, Class G starts at the surface and extends to but doesn't include 700' AGL. 2 of 8

3 Example 2: Class G Under Class E Starting At 1,200' AGL In this example, Class E starts at 1,200' AGL, so Class G starts at the surface and extends to but doesn't include 1,200' AGL. 3 of 8

4 2. VFR Weather Minimums Now that you can identify Class G airspace, it's time to talk about the minimum weather you need to fly VFR in it. Class G minimum weather requirements exist so that you can see and avoid other aircraft and stay out of the clouds. We'll break the minimums down into three major categories : VFR weather minimums 1,200' AGL and lower VFR weather minimums above 1,200 feet AGL, but below 10,000 feet MSL VFR weather minimums 10,000' MSL and higher Why is there a difference in weather minimums at different altitudes? Because starting at 10,000' MSL, you can fly faster than 250 knots, and you need more visibility and distance from the clouds to see and avoid other aircraft. 2.1 Class G Weather Minimums 1,200' AGL And Lower Let's start with VFR weather minimums when you're 1,200 feet AGL or lower, regardless of your MSL altitude. Day Visibility You need at least 1SM visibility during the day. Day Cloud Clearances You need to stay clear of clouds during the day. Night Visibility You need at least 3SM visibility at night. Night Cloud Clearances You need at least 1000' above, 500' below, and 2000' horizontal at night. 4 of 8

5 Night, Within 1/2 Mile Of An Airport In The Traffic Pattern Below 1,200' AGL And finally, if you're within 1/2 mile of an airport in the traffic pattern at night and below 1,200' AGL, you need to have at least 1SM visibility and remain clear of clouds. 5 of 8

6 2.2 VFR Weather Minimums Below 10,000' VFR weather minimums for Class G below 10,000 feet MSL (but higher than 1,200 feet AGL) can be broken down into four distances: Visibility Height above clouds Height below clouds Horizontal distance from clouds Visibility Day You need at least 1SM of visibility to operate VFR in Class G airspace during the day. Visibility Night You need at least 3SM of visibility to operate VFR in Class G airspace at night. Height Above Clouds You need to stay 1000 feet above clouds, day or night Height Below Clouds You need to stay 500 feet below clouds, day or night. Horizontal Distance From Clouds And last of all, you need to stay 2000 feet horizontally from clouds, day or night. 6 of 8

7 2.3 Weather Minimums 10,000' MSL And Above And Higher Than 1,200' AGL Now let's go through the weather minimums at 10,000' MSL and higher, and higher than 1,200' AGL. Remember, since you can fly faster than 250 knots starting at 10,000', faster speed = higher weather minimums. Visibility You need at least 5SM of visibility to operate VFR in Class G at or above 10,000' MSL (and higher than 1,200' AGL), day or night. Height Above Clouds You need to stay 1000 feet above clouds, day or night. Height Below Clouds You need to stay 1000 feet below clouds, day or night. Horizontal Distance From Clouds And last of all, you need to stay 1SM horizontally from clouds, day or night. Five F 111s An easy way to remember VFR weather minimums for Class G airspace 10,000' and above is the phrase "5 F 111s". Each number in the phrase stands for one of the distances: 5SM visibility 1000' above 1000' below 1SM horizontal Easy, right? 7 of 8

8 Radio Communication 3. Requirements and Restrictions Do you hear that? Neither did we. That's because you don't need to talk to anybody in Class G airspace. However, when you're flying into an uncontrolled Class G airport, we recommend that you communicate your position at all times. Suggested Radio Communication At Class G Airports If you're landing at an airport in Class G airspace, you don't need to talk to anyone or make any radio calls. However, it's strongly recommended you do. The AIM suggests that you make position calls around the airport at these points: 10 miles away from the field 5 miles away from the field Airfield overflight (if necessary) 45 degree entry to the downwind Downwind Base Final Speed Restrictions In Class G The speed restrictions in Class G are pretty straightforward. There's only one thing you need to think about: Flying below 10,000' MSL Class G Below 10,000' MSL In Class G, you can't fly faster than 250 knots when you're below 10,000' MSL. So why is there a speed restriction below 10,000 feet? Think about the planes that fly lower than 10,000 feet, and the planes that fly higher. The airplanes that spend the majority of their time below 10,000 feet are usually slower in comparison to the planes that spend the majority of their time above 10,000 feet. By limiting planes from going faster than 250 knots below 10,000', it's easier for planes to see and avoid each other, helping reduce the chance of mid air collisions. Required Equipment Class G Equipment requirements for Class G airspace are pretty easy. If you're 10,000 feet MSL or higher, and more than 2,500 feet AGL, you need a Mode C transponder If you're below 10,000 feet MSL, there's no required equipment 8 of 8