FAA Airspace and Weather Minimums Test 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: (Refer to Figure 25, area 4.) The floor of Class B airspace overlying Hicks Airport (T67) north-northwest of Fort Worth Meacham Field is

at the surface.
3,200 feet MSL.
4,000 feet MSL. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4,000 feet MSL.

Referring to Figure 25, area 4, Hicks Airport (T67) is located under a shelf of Class B airspace. The numbers associated with the solid blue lines indicate the ceiling and floor of the Class B airspace in hundreds of feet MSL. The segment directly above Hicks Airport shows '110/40', meaning the Class B airspace extends from 4,000 feet MSL up to 11,000 feet MSL. Therefore, the floor of the Class B airspace overlying Hicks is 4,000 feet MSL.

Question 2: In which type of airspace are VFR flights prohibited?

Class A. (Correct answer)
Class B.
Class C.

Correct answer: Class A.

Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600 (60,000 feet MSL) over the contiguous United States and Alaska. All operations within Class A airspace must be conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), meaning VFR flights are strictly prohibited. This ensures a high level of control and separation for high-altitude air traffic.

Question 3: (Refer to Figure 26, area 2.) The day VFR visibility and cloud clearance requirements to operate over the town of Cooperstown, after departing and climbing out of the Cooperstown Airport at or below 700 feet AGL are

3 miles and clear of clouds.
1 mile and 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
1 mile and clear of clouds. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 1 mile and clear of clouds.

The town of Cooperstown and its airport (area 2 on Figure 26) are located in Class G airspace from the surface up to 700 feet AGL, as indicated by the magenta vignette. For VFR operations in Class G airspace during the day, below 1,200 feet AGL, the minimum weather requirements are 1 statute mile visibility and remaining clear of clouds. This allows for basic visual flight in uncontrolled airspace.

Question 4: (Refer to Figure 20, area 1.) What minimum radio equipment is required to land and take off at Norfolk International?

Mode C transponder and omnireceiver.
Mode C transponder and two-way radio. (Correct answer)
Mode C transponder, omnireceiver, and DME.

Correct answer: Mode C transponder and two-way radio.

To operate within Class C airspace, such as that surrounding Norfolk International (KORF) as depicted in Figure 20, area 1, an aircraft must be equipped with an operating two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC and an operating Mode C transponder. The Mode C transponder provides automatic altitude reporting, which is crucial for ATC to maintain separation in this controlled airspace. These requirements ensure proper communication and identification for safety.

Question 5: Which initial action should a pilot take prior to entering Class C airspace?

Contact approach control on the appropriate frequency. (Correct answer)
Contact the tower and request permission to enter.
Contact the FSS for traffic advisories.

Correct answer: Contact approach control on the appropriate frequency.

Before entering Class C airspace, a pilot must establish two-way radio communication with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) facility providing services for that airspace, typically Approach Control. The pilot must hear their aircraft callsign acknowledged by ATC, signifying that communication has been established, before entering the airspace. This ensures ATC is aware of the aircraft and can provide traffic advisories and separation.

Question 6: A special VFR clearance authorizes the pilot of an aircraft to operate VFR while within Class D airspace when the visibility is

less than 1 mile and the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet.
at least 1 mile and the aircraft can remain clear of clouds. (Correct answer)
at least 3 miles and the aircraft can remain clear of clouds.

Correct answer: at least 1 mile and the aircraft can remain clear of clouds.

A Special VFR (SVFR) clearance allows a pilot to operate VFR within the surface areas of Class B, C, D, or E airspace when weather conditions are below the basic VFR minimums. For an SVFR clearance to be issued, the flight visibility must be at least 1 statute mile, and the aircraft must be able to remain clear of clouds. This provides a limited exception for VFR operations in marginal weather conditions, primarily for landing or departing.

Question 7: (Refer to Figure 22, area 1.) The visibility and cloud clearance requirements to operate over Sandpoint Airport at night at less than 700 feet AGL are

3 miles and 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from each cloud. (Correct answer)
1 mile and 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from each cloud.
3 miles and clear of clouds.

Correct answer: 3 miles and 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from each cloud.

Sandpoint Airport (area 1 on Figure 22) is located in Class G airspace from the surface up to 700 feet AGL, as indicated by the magenta shading. For VFR operations in Class G airspace at night, below 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum weather requirements are 3 statute miles visibility and cloud clearances of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. This is a more restrictive requirement than daytime Class G to account for reduced visibility at night.

Question 8: The basic VFR minimum visibility at night for Class G, E, D, and C airspace below 10,000 feet MSL is 3 statute miles. An exception to that minimum is when below 1,200 feet above the surface and the visibility is at least 1 but less than 3 statute miles

in Class C and D airspace clear of clouds if communications are established with the control tower.
in Class G airspace clear of clouds when operating in an airport traffic pattern within 1/2 mile of the runway. (Correct answer)
in Class E airspace clear of clouds when operating in an airport traffic pattern within 1/2 mile of the runway.

Correct answer: in Class G airspace clear of clouds when operating in an airport traffic pattern within 1/2 mile of the runway.

While the basic VFR minimum visibility at night for Class G airspace below 10,000 feet MSL is 3 statute miles, there's an exception for local operations. Pilots may operate with at least 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds when operating in the airport traffic pattern within 1/2 mile of the runway in Class G airspace. This exception facilitates local airport operations under specific conditions where maintaining visual contact with the airport is paramount.

Question 9: (Refer to Figure 25, area 4.) The airspace directly overlying Fort Worth Meacham is

Class B airspace to 10,000 feet MSL.
Class C airspace to 5,000 feet MSL.
Class D airspace to 3,200 feet MSL. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Class D airspace to 3,200 feet MSL.

Fort Worth Meacham Field (FTW) is surrounded by a blue segmented circle on the sectional chart (Figure 25, area 4), which denotes Class D airspace. The number within the segmented circle, '32', indicates the ceiling of this Class D airspace is 3,200 feet MSL. Class D airspace typically extends from the surface up to this specified altitude, requiring two-way radio communication for entry.

Question 10: (Refer to Figure 26, area 5.) The airspace overlying and within 5 miles of Barnes County Airport is

Class D airspace from the surface to the floor of the overlying Class E airspace.
Class E airspace from the surface to 1,200 feet MSL.
Class G airspace from the surface to 700 feet AGL. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Class G airspace from the surface to 700 feet AGL.

Barnes County Airport (area 5 on Figure 26) is depicted without a blue segmented circle or a magenta dashed line, indicating it does not have Class D or Class E airspace extending to the surface. The magenta shading nearby signifies that Class E airspace begins at 700 feet AGL. Therefore, the airspace overlying and within 5 miles of Barnes County Airport from the surface up to 700 feet AGL is Class G airspace, which is uncontrolled.

Question 11: Under what condition may an aircraft operate from a satellite airport within Class C airspace?

The pilot must file a flight plan prior to departure.
The pilot must monitor ATC until clear of the Class C airspace.
The pilot must contact ATC as soon as practicable after takeoff. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The pilot must contact ATC as soon as practicable after takeoff.

When departing from a satellite airport within Class C airspace that does not have an operating control tower, the pilot must establish two-way radio communication with the primary Class C airport's Air Traffic Control (ATC) as soon as practicable after takeoff. This ensures ATC is aware of the aircraft's presence and can provide appropriate services and separation within the controlled airspace. This is a critical safety procedure for integrating into controlled traffic.

Question 12: (Refer to Figure 22.) What are the visibility and cloud clearance requirements in an airplane at night when conducting takeoffs and landings at Shoshone County Airport (Area 3) if the pattern altitude is 1,000 feet AGL?

3 SM visibility and clear of clouds.
1 SM visibility and clear of clouds if remaining within one-half mile of the airport. (Correct answer)
Remain clear of clouds and operate at a speed that allows adequate opportunity to see other traffic and obstructions in time to avoid a collision.

Correct answer: 1 SM visibility and clear of clouds if remaining within one-half mile of the airport.

Shoshone County Airport (area 3 on Figure 22) is located in Class G airspace from the surface up to 700 feet AGL. For VFR operations at night in Class G airspace, an exception allows for 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds, provided the aircraft remains within one-half mile of the airport and within the airport traffic pattern. This specific exception is designed for local operations near the airport under reduced visibility conditions.

Question 13: The lateral dimensions of Class D airspace are based on

the number of airports that lie within the Class D airspace.
5 statute miles from the geographical center of the primary airport.
the instrument procedures for which the controlled airspace is established. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: the instrument procedures for which the controlled airspace is established.

The lateral dimensions of Class D airspace are not fixed at a specific radius but are individually tailored to contain the instrument procedures (such as instrument approaches and departures) for which the controlled airspace is established. This ensures that aircraft operating under instrument flight rules are within controlled airspace during critical phases of flight, providing a safe and efficient environment for instrument operations.

Question 14: With certain exceptions, all aircraft within 30 miles of a Class B primary airport from the surface upward to 10,000 feet MSL must be equipped with

an operable VOR or TACAN receiver and an ADF receiver.
instruments and equipment required for IFR operations.
an operable transponder having either Mode S or 4096-code capability with Mode C automatic altitude reporting capability. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: an operable transponder having either Mode S or 4096-code capability with Mode C automatic altitude reporting capability.

With certain exceptions, all aircraft operating within 30 nautical miles of a Class B primary airport, from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL (the 'Mode C veil'), must be equipped with an operable transponder having Mode C automatic altitude reporting capability. This requirement ensures that ATC can identify and track aircraft, and monitor their altitudes, for safe separation in busy Class B airspace. This enhances safety by providing ATC with crucial traffic information.

Question 15: (Refer to Figure 20 area 4.) What hazards to aircraft may exist in restricted areas such as R-5302B?

Unusual, often invisible, hazards such as aerial gunnery or guided missiles. (Correct answer)
Military training activities that necessitate acrobatic or abrupt flight maneuvers.
High volume of pilot training or an unusual type of aerial activity.

Correct answer: Unusual, often invisible, hazards such as aerial gunnery or guided missiles.

Restricted areas, such as R-5302B (Figure 20, area 4), denote airspace where operations are subject to restrictions due to the existence of unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft. These hazards can include artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missile activities. Pilots must obtain authorization from the controlling agency before entering a Restricted Area to avoid potential danger.

Question 16: The minimum flight visibility required for VFR flights above 10,000 feet MSL and more than 1,200 feet AGL in controlled airspace is

1 mile.
3 miles.
5 miles. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 5 miles.

For VFR flights in controlled airspace above 10,000 feet MSL and more than 1,200 feet AGL, the minimum flight visibility required is 5 statute miles. This increased visibility requirement, along with cloud clearances of 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontally, ensures greater safety margins at higher altitudes where aircraft speeds are typically faster and reaction times are reduced.

Question 17: (Refer to Figure 26, area 3.) When flying over Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge, a pilot should fly no lower than

2,000 feet AGL. (Correct answer)
2,500 feet AGL.
3,000 feet AGL.

Correct answer: 2,000 feet AGL.

Pilots are requested to operate aircraft at a minimum altitude of 2,000 feet AGL over National Wildlife Refuges, Parks, and Forest Service areas, such as the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge (Figure 26, area 3). This is a recommended operating practice, not a regulation, to minimize disturbance to wildlife and preserve the natural environment. Adhering to this practice helps protect sensitive ecosystems.

Question 18: The vertical limit of Class C airspace above the primary airport is normally

1,200 feet AGL.
3,000 feet AGL.
4,000 feet AGL. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 4,000 feet AGL.

The vertical limit of Class C airspace above the primary airport is normally 4,000 feet AGL. This airspace typically consists of two concentric circles: an inner circle extending from the surface to 4,000 feet AGL, and an outer circle (shelf area) extending from 1,200 feet AGL to 4,000 feet AGL. This structure provides controlled airspace for arriving and departing aircraft.

Question 19: (Refer to Figure 26, area 1.) Identify the airspace over Tomlinson Airport (8J7).

Class G airspace - surface up to but not including 1,200 feet AGL, Class E airspace - 1,200 feet AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL. (Correct answer)
Class G airspace - surface up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.
Class G airspace - surface up to but not including 700 feet MSL, Class E airspace - 700 feet to 14,500 feet MSL.

Correct answer: Class G airspace - surface up to but not including 1,200 feet AGL, Class E airspace - 1,200 feet AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL.

Tomlinson Airport (8J7) (area 1 on Figure 26) is located in an area without any magenta or blue shading, which indicates that Class E airspace begins at 1,200 feet AGL. Therefore, the airspace from the surface up to but not including 1,200 feet AGL is Class G airspace (uncontrolled), and from 1,200 feet AGL up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL is Class E airspace (controlled). This is a common configuration for airports not associated with a control tower.

Question 20: What minimum pilot certification is required for operation within Class B airspace?

Private Pilot Certificate or Student Pilot Certificate with appropriate logbook endorsements. (Correct answer)
Recreational Pilot Certificate.
Private Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating.

Correct answer: Private Pilot Certificate or Student Pilot Certificate with appropriate logbook endorsements.

To operate an aircraft within Class B airspace, a pilot must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate. However, a Student Pilot Certificate holder may also operate in Class B airspace if they have received specific ground and flight training and possess the appropriate logbook endorsements from an authorized instructor. This ensures pilots have the necessary knowledge and skill to operate in complex, high-traffic airspace.

Question 21: VFR flight in controlled airspace above 1,200 feet AGL and below 10,000 feet MSL requires a minimum visibility and vertical cloud clearance of

3 miles, and 500 feet below or 1,000 feet above the clouds in controlled airspace. (Correct answer)
5 miles, and 1,000 feet below or 1,000 feet above the clouds at all altitudes.
5 miles, and 1,000 feet below or 1,000 feet above the clouds only in Class A airspace.

Correct answer: 3 miles, and 500 feet below or 1,000 feet above the clouds in controlled airspace.

For VFR flight in controlled airspace (Class E, C, D) above 1,200 feet AGL and below 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum visibility required is 3 statute miles. Additionally, pilots must maintain cloud clearances of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. These are standard VFR weather minimums, as specified in 14 CFR Part 91.155, designed to ensure safe operations and adequate visual separation in controlled environments.

Question 22: What minimum pilot certification is required for operation within Class B airspace?

Recreational Pilot Certificate.
Private Pilot Certificate or Student Pilot Certificate with appropriate logbook endorsements. (Correct answer)
Private Pilot Certificate with an instrument rating.

Correct answer: Private Pilot Certificate or Student Pilot Certificate with appropriate logbook endorsements.

To operate an aircraft within Class B airspace, a pilot must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate. A Student Pilot Certificate holder may operate in Class B airspace only if they have received specific ground and flight training and have the appropriate logbook endorsements from an authorized instructor, as per FAR 61.95. A Recreational Pilot Certificate is not sufficient, and an instrument rating is not required for VFR operations in Class B.

Question 23: Unless otherwise specified, Federal Airways include that Class E airspace extending upward from

700 feet above the surface up to and including 17,999 feet MSL.
1,200 feet above the surface up to and including 17,999 feet MSL. (Correct answer)
the surface up to and including 18,000 feet MSL.

Correct answer: 1,200 feet above the surface up to and including 17,999 feet MSL.

Federal Airways, commonly known as Victor Airways, are defined as Class E airspace extending from 1,200 feet AGL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL, where Class A airspace begins. These airways are typically 8 nautical miles wide and serve as established routes for aircraft. Option A describes Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet AGL, which is common for Class E transition areas, but not for Federal Airways themselves.

Question 24: Pilots flying over a national wildlife refuge are requested to fly no lower than

1,000 feet AGL.
2,000 feet AGL. (Correct answer)
3,000 feet AGL.

Correct answer: 2,000 feet AGL.

Pilots are requested to fly no lower than 2,000 feet AGL over national wildlife refuges, parks, and wilderness areas. This advisory altitude, found in FAA Advisory Circulars (AC 91-36D) and noted on aeronautical charts, helps minimize disturbance to wildlife and preserve the natural environment. Flying lower than 2,000 feet AGL increases the risk of startling animals or causing environmental impact.

Question 25: During operations outside controlled airspace at altitudes of more than 1,200 feet AGL, but less than 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum distance below clouds requirement for VFR flight at night is

500 feet. (Correct answer)
1,000 feet.
1,500 feet.

Correct answer: 500 feet.

For VFR flight at night in Class G airspace, at altitudes above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL, the minimum cloud clearance requirements are 3 miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. These minimums are specified in FAR 91.155 to ensure adequate visual separation from clouds and other aircraft, especially during reduced visibility conditions at night. Options B and C state incorrect distances for 'below clouds' in this specific airspace and altitude.

Question 26: (Refer to Figure 26, area 2.) The visibility and cloud clearance requirements to operate VFR during daylight hours over the town of Cooperstown between 1,200 feet AGL and 10,000 feet MSL are

1 mile and 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
1 mile and clear of clouds.
3 miles and 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 3 miles and 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

The town of Cooperstown (Figure 26, area 2) is located within Class E airspace, as indicated by the fuzzy side of the magenta vignette, meaning Class E starts at 700 feet AGL. For VFR operations in Class E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL during daylight hours, the required weather minimums are 3 miles visibility, 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds (FAR 91.155). Options A and B state incorrect visibility or cloud clearance requirements for this airspace and altitude.

Question 27: What ATC facility should the pilot contact to receive a special VFR departure clearance in Class D airspace?

Automated Flight Service Station.
Air Traffic Control Tower. (Correct answer)
Air Route Traffic Control Center.

Correct answer: Air Traffic Control Tower.

To receive a special VFR departure clearance in Class D airspace, a pilot must contact the Air Traffic Control Tower (ATC). Class D airspace is controlled airspace surrounding airports with an operational control tower, and the tower is responsible for issuing clearances and instructions within its delegated airspace. Automated Flight Service Stations (AFSS) primarily provide weather briefings and flight plan filing, while Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCC) manage en route IFR traffic and higher altitude VFR, not specific airport operations in Class D.

Question 28: You know when looking at a chart that the floor of Class E airspace is 700 feet AGL when it's within

the fuzzy side of the blue vignette.
the fuzzy side of the magenta vignette. (Correct answer)
the magenta dashed line.

Correct answer: the fuzzy side of the magenta vignette.

On a sectional chart, the fuzzy side of the magenta vignette indicates that the floor of Class E airspace is 700 feet AGL. This symbol differentiates it from Class E airspace that begins at 1,200 feet AGL (indicated by the fuzzy side of a blue vignette) or Class E airspace that begins at the surface (indicated by a magenta dashed line). Understanding these chart symbols is crucial for pilots to identify airspace boundaries and associated operating rules.

Question 29: What minimum radio equipment is required for operation within Class C airspace?

Two-way radio communications equipment and a 4096-code transponder.
Two-way radio communications equipment, a 4096-code transponder, and DME.
Two-way radio communications equipment, a 4096-code transponder, and an encoding altimeter. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Two-way radio communications equipment, a 4096-code transponder, and an encoding altimeter.

For operation within Class C airspace, FAR 91.130 requires an aircraft to be equipped with two-way radio communications equipment, a 4096-code transponder, and an encoding altimeter. These requirements ensure that ATC can communicate with and identify aircraft, as well as receive altitude information for traffic separation. DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) is not a general requirement for Class C operations.

Question 30: Responsibility for collision avoidance in an alert area rests with

the controlling agency.
all pilots. (Correct answer)
Air Traffic Control.

Correct answer: all pilots.

In an Alert Area, responsibility for collision avoidance rests with all pilots operating within that area. Alert Areas are designated for a high volume of pilot training or unusual aerial activity, and while ATC may provide advisories, pilots are still primarily responsible for exercising extreme caution and maintaining vigilance through the 'see and avoid' principle. Neither the controlling agency nor Air Traffic Control relieves pilots of this fundamental responsibility.

FAA Airspace and Weather Minimums Test 2

(Refer to Figure 25, area 4.) The floor of Class B airspace overlying Hicks Airport (T67) north-northwest of Fort Worth Meacham Field is