Class E airspace has no requirements for communication when flying VFR. You only have to maintain two-way communication in Class E airspace when flying IFR.
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There are Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL and are designated as offshore airspace areas.
You only have to maintain two-way communication in Class E airspace when flying IFR. All airports where there is an operating control tower requires two-way communication within 4 Nautical Miles of the airport housing the control tower at and below 2500 feet AGL at a minimum, regardless of airspace.
Class E airspace: Transponder requirements vary depending on the altitude of the aircraft: Below 10,000 feet MSL (mean sea level): A transponder is not required unless the aircraft is within 30 nautical miles of a Class B airport.
Class E airspace is often confusing though because it's not clearly depicted on the sectional chart, like the ATC-controlled Classes B, C or D. While Class E airspace is considered “controlled airspace”, you do not need an ATC clearance to fly in it.
The FAA requires ADS-B Out capability in the continental United States, in the ADS-B rule airspace designated by FAR 91.225: Class A, B, and C airspace; Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet msl, excluding airspace at and below 2,500 feet agl; Within 30 nautical miles of a Class B primary airport (the Mode C veil);
Perhaps the most misunderstood airspace category, Class Echo (E) starts at 14,500'MSL and extends up to but not including 18,000' (bottom of Alpha Airspace) over the entire continental United States unless otherwise depicted. It also exists above Alpha (above 60,000').
While Class E airspace is considered “controlled airspace”, you do not need an ATC clearance to fly in it. Since Class “E” airspace is basically “Everywhere”, most of the focus is placed on identifying the ceiling and floor of the airspace.
Class E airspace is more related to weather requirement than it is to communication and in most cases does not require ATC communications. Class G (it's called “uncontrolled” airspace) never requires VFR pilots to be in communication with ATC. I know you are wondering: There is no class F airspace in the United States.
As a blanket statement, no, it is not illegal to fly without ATC contact. More precisely, it is completely legal to fly without radio contact except in certain designated airspace or while flying under instrument flight rules (IFR).
Class E Airspace: Controlled airspace which is neither class A, B, C nor D. In most areas of the United States, class E airspace extends from 1,200 feet (370 m) above ground level (AGL) up to but not including 18,000 feet (5,500 m) MSL, the lower limit of Class A airspace.
250 knots below 10,000' MSL within class echo airspace. While operating in the traffic pattern at an airport without an operating control tower, it is recommended that the pilot maintain an airspeed of no more than 200 KIAS.
Class E Airspace, indicated by the faded magenta line. Most of the airspace in The United States is Class E airspace. Class E airspace extends from 1,200 feet AGL to 17,999 feet MSL (18,000 feet is the floor of Class A airspace). Class E airspace can also extends down to the surface or 700 feet AGL.
Class E4 and E3 airspaces do not require prior authorization, but Class E surface area (E2) airspace surrounds small airports and does require airspace authorization.
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.
E - Shuttle Service (no reservation allowed) or Economy/Coach Discounted. F - First Class. G - Conditional Reservation. H - Economy/Coach Discounted – Usually an upgradable fare to Business. J - Business Class Premium.