Class E airspace is controlled airspace for aircraft operating under IFR and can exist around an airport as a control zone or away from an airport where an operational need exists to control IFR aircraft. Class E control zones usually extend from the surface to an altitude of 3 000 ft AGL.

In Canada, Class E airspace is "Controlled Airspace" where Air Traffic Control (ATC) service is provided, but it is primarily used by aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). Visual Flight Rules (VFR) aircraft can fly in Class E without a specific transponder or radio clearance, provided they stay within "High-Fidelity" visual weather minima. Class E typically exists where there is an operational requirement for control but a low volume of traffic doesn't justify a more restrictive classification. It often starts at 700 feet or 2,200 feet above ground level (AGL) around airports and extends up to, but not including, 18,000 feet. In 2026, it is a high-fidelity necessity for pilots to realize that while radio contact isn't mandatory for VFR, "Flight Following" is often available and highly recommended for high-value safety. This airspace is the "High-Fidelity" workhorse of the Canadian aviation system, balancing the high-value need for IFR separation with the high-fidelity freedom for general aviation pilots to navigate the vast Canadian landscape without excessive administrative burden.