How low can you fly in Class G airspace?

You can get as near as you want, but flying in the clouds is still prohibited. There are a few other limitations to be aware of in Class G airspace: If you are above 1200' AGL, but lower than 10,000' MSL, you must remain 500 ft below, 1000 ft above, and 2000 ft horizontal of clouds AND must have 1 mile of visibility.



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An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

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In remote areas, Glass G may go up to (but not including) 14,500' MSL. In most places, G Airspace starts at the surface and goes up 700' AGL or 1200' AGL where Class E starts.

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One reason is to save fuel, as flying at lower altitudes requires less energy than higher ones. Additionally, planes may fly low in order to avoid bad weather or turbulence that can be found at higher altitudes.

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The Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91.119 indicates that, except when necessary for departure or landing, the minimum altitude over urban areas is 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL) and 500 feet AGL over rural areas.

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Airspace classes. In the U.S., airspace is categorized as regulatory and non-regulatory. Within these categories exist: controlled (classes A, B, C, D, and E) and uncontrolled (class G) airspace, based on which air traffic control service is provided to IFR flights and some VFR flights.

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Class G airspace is the only uncontrolled airspace out there in the United States. Thus, both IFR and VFR traffic is also uncontrolled here. To find out Class G airspace, note that it exists where the other five airspace classes, i.e., Class A, B, C, D, or E, don't.

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CBO operations and events occurring at 400 feet AGL and below in Class G airspace do not require FAA review, approval or authorization. CBO's intending to conduct events in Class G airspace that may exceed 400 feet AGL must contact the FAA for further information.

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Indeed shorter flights tend to fly in lower altitude corridors as they are more fuel efficient and quicker to reach cruising altitude.

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The biggest reason for flying at higher altitudes lies in fuel efficiency. The thin air creates less drag on the aircraft, which means the plane can use less fuel in order to maintain speed. Less wind resistance, more power, less effort, so to speak.

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There is no existing mechanism for the FAA to monitor if there are drone pilots, licensed or otherwise, who will fly above this altitude limit. That is well and fine until you get into a close encounter with a manned aircraft, for which you could be facing heavy penalties if the FAA can identify you as the drone pilot.

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(c) Over other than congested areas – An altitude of 500 feet above the surface except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In that case, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

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An altitude of 500 feet above the surface, except over open water or sparsely populated areas. In those cases, the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure.

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However, Class G airspace isn't controlled. Neither VFR (Visual Flight Rules) nor IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) aircraft need an ATC clearance to operate in Class G airspace.

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Class G airspace is most easily found on a sectional map when a fading, thick blue line appears.

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