Class C airspace

E49616

Class C airspace is a category of controlled airspace around busy airports that requires two-way radio communication and air traffic control clearance for participating aircraft.


Statements (48)
Predicate Object
instanceOf airspace classification
controlled airspace
appliesTo IFR aircraft
VFR aircraft
associatedWith primary airport with operational control tower
radar approach control facility
chartDepiction solid magenta line
definedBy Federal Aviation Administration
doesNotRequire explicit ATC clearance phraseology for VFR entry once two-way communication is established
exampleAirportType airports with scheduled passenger service and significant operations
governedBy 14 CFR Part 71
hasLateralStructure core surface area radius of 5 nautical miles
shelf area radius of 10 nautical miles
hasPrimaryPurpose enhance safety and efficiency of airport operations
separate IFR traffic from VFR traffic near busy airports
hasVerticalStructure core surface area from surface to 4,000 feet above airport elevation
shelf area typically from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above airport elevation
hasWeatherMinimums 3 statute miles flight visibility
cloud clearance 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal
implementedIn many medium-sized U.S. airports
isLessRestrictiveThan Class B airspace
isMoreRestrictiveThan Class D airspace
mayInclude outer area for radar services
outerAreaRadius typically 20 nautical miles
provides conflict resolution advisories
radar services to IFR and VFR aircraft
safety alerts
sequencing to the primary airport
traffic advisories
requires Mode C transponder
air traffic control clearance for entry
establishment of two-way communication with ATC
operable two-way radio
two-way radio communication
requiresAircraftEquipment altitude-reporting transponder
two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC
requiresEntryCondition two-way communication established when ATC states aircraft call sign
requiresPilotAction comply with ATC instructions
contact approach control before entering
maintain listening watch on assigned frequency
requiresTransponder within 10 nautical miles of primary airport at or above 10,000 feet MSL if within Mode C veil of nearby Class B
within and above Class C airspace
surrounds airports with moderate traffic levels
airports with radar approach control
busy airports
symbolizedOn VFR sectional charts
trafficLevel moderate traffic density
usedIn United States National Airspace System


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