Can I fly over Class B airspace?

You are allowed to fly VFR above class B without talking to anyone. However, in the US, you are required to operate with an ADS-B Out transmitter above 10,000 feet. That lets other aircraft (with ADS-B In) and ATC know that you're there.



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Radio Procedures for Class B Airspace Unlike Class C airspace, a simple acknowledgement by ATC is not sufficient for you to enter Class B airspace. You must also receive clearance and a unique transponder squawk code to enter.

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To enter Class B airspace, all aircraft must meet the following requirements:
  • ATC clearance required to enter.
  • Establish and maintain two-way communication prior to entering and while in airspace.
  • Mode C transponder (within 30 nm, up to 10,000 feet msl)
  • Student pilot operations restricted.


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Class B airspace locations must include at least one primary airport around which the Class B airspace area is designated. General Design. There is no standard Class B design. Instead, the size and shape of the Class B airspace area will vary depending upon location-specific ATC operational and safety requirements.

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Civilian aircraft can turn off their ADS-B Out only if specifically instructed to do so by ATC, or if they are the non-lead aircraft in a formation flight, Duke said. Regulations as operationally complex as the ADS-B rules can be rife with unintended consequences, Harrison added.

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A transponder is not required unless an aircraft is operating: In Class A, Class B, or Class C airspace. Above 10,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), excluding airspace below 2,500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL).

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Class Bravo airspace (Class B) is that airspace surrounding the nation's busiest airports. Class B airspace supports both Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations within.

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The airspace around the busiest US airports is classified as ICAO Class B, and the primary airport (one or more) for which this airspace is designated is called Class B airport. As of January 2023, there are 37 Class B airports in the United States.

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VFR aircraft must obtain an ATC clearance to operate in Class B airspace.

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The specific altitudes the restrictions apply to will vary depending on the needs of the controlling agency. In some cases, you may find that you can fly either above or below the restricted airspace rather than detour around it.

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Class B Airspace, indicated by a solid blue line. Class B airspace is shown with a solid blue line around major airports in circles radiating outward.

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There's one more thing to keep in mind when you're operating in Class B airspace: in general, you need to be at least a private pilot to enter the airspace. Student, sport and recreational pilots can enter specific Class B airspaces, but only after they receive training and an endorsement from an instructor.

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Regardless of weather conditions, an ATC clearance is required prior to operating within Class B airspace. Pilots should not request a clearance to operate within Class B airspace unless the requirements of 14 CFR Sections 91.131, 91.215, and 91.225 are met.

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