FAA 107 Airspace Classification & Flight Restrictions — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is Class B airspace typically associated with?
- Rural airfields
- Military training zones
- Major commercial airports (Correct answer)
- Uncontrolled airspace
Correct answer: Major commercial airports
Class B airspace is typically found around the busiest commercial airports in the United States, characterized by high volumes of air traffic. Its unique inverted wedding cake shape is designed to protect and separate all aircraft operating within its boundaries, ensuring safety in congested areas.
Question 2: What is required to operate a drone in Class C airspace?
- No restrictions
- ATC authorization (Correct answer)
- Military escort
- Only daylight operations
Correct answer: ATC authorization
To operate a drone in Class C airspace, which surrounds airports with moderate commercial traffic, remote pilots must obtain specific authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC). This requirement ensures safe integration of drone operations with manned aircraft and maintains the orderly flow of air traffic.
Question 3: What defines Class G airspace?
- Controlled at all times
- Only over oceans
- Uncontrolled airspace (Correct answer)
- Airspace above 60,000 feet
Correct answer: Uncontrolled airspace
Class G airspace, also known as uncontrolled airspace, is where air traffic control does not provide specific services to aircraft. It typically extends from the surface up to the base of the overlying controlled airspace, often Class E, and is common in less populated or rural areas.
Question 4: What is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR)?
- A permanent restriction over Class A airspace
- Unrestricted zone for drone testing
- Temporary airspace closure for specific reasons (Correct answer)
- Weather update bulletin
Correct answer: Temporary airspace closure for specific reasons
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a regulatory action issued by the FAA to temporarily close or restrict airspace for specific reasons. These reasons can include disaster relief efforts, presidential movements, or major public events, all aimed at ensuring safety and security.
Question 5: Which airspace class starts at 18,000 feet MSL?
- Class D
- Class B
- Class A (Correct answer)
- Class E
Correct answer: Class A
Class A airspace is high-altitude controlled airspace that generally begins at 18,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) and extends up to 60,000 feet MSL. All operations within this airspace require an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan and continuous two-way radio communication with Air Traffic Control.
Question 6: Which authority issues NOTAMs related to flight restrictions?
- The Department of Defense
- The Weather Bureau
- The FAA (Correct answer)
- Local police departments
Correct answer: The FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the sole authority responsible for issuing Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), which include critical information about flight restrictions. Drone pilots must consult NOTAMs before flight to be aware of any temporary or permanent airspace restrictions that could affect their operations.
Question 7: What does a Sectional Chart provide for drone pilots?
- Only road maps
- Weather predictions
- Details about terrain and airspace (Correct answer)
- Airline seat charts
Correct answer: Details about terrain and airspace
Sectional Charts are crucial aeronautical maps that provide drone pilots with detailed information about terrain, elevations, obstacles, and, most importantly, airspace classifications and boundaries. They are essential for flight planning, helping pilots understand the operational environment and identify restricted areas.
Question 8: When can you fly in restricted airspace?
- At night only
- On weekends
- With prior permission from the controlling agency (Correct answer)
- During clear weather
Correct answer: With prior permission from the controlling agency
Restricted airspace is designated for activities that may be hazardous to non-participating aircraft, such as military operations or missile testing. Drone pilots can only operate within restricted airspace if they obtain explicit prior permission from the controlling agency responsible for that specific area.
Question 9: What is the purpose of controlled airspace?
- To allow unregulated flight
- To manage and separate air traffic safely (Correct answer)
- To block all drone operations
- To reserve space for military drills
Correct answer: To manage and separate air traffic safely
The primary purpose of controlled airspace is to manage and separate air traffic safely, preventing collisions and ensuring an orderly flow of aircraft. Air traffic control services are provided within these areas to maintain communication and separation standards for all aircraft, including drones with proper authorization.
FAA 107 Airspace Classification & Flight Restrictions
What is Class B airspace typically associated with?