What is the difference between Class B and Class C airspace?

Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL. The dimensions of Class B airspace vary depending on the needs of the airport. Class C airspace extends from the surface to 4,000 feet MSL.



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Class C: This is the controlled airspace above 7,500 feet and surrounding major airports. Both IFR and VFR flights are permitted and both require ATC clearance and separation service is to be provided by ATC.

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What Is Considered Class B Airspace? Class Bravo (B) airspace is the 2nd most restrictive airspace after Class Alpha (A) airspace. It starts from the ground and extends up to 10,000' Mean Sea Level (MSL.) However, Denver and Atlanta are two exceptions here.

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To enter Class C airspace, all aircraft must meet the following requirements: Two-way radio. Mode-C transponder. ADS-B Out device.

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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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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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Such operations shall comply with paragraph (a) of this section. (c) No person may operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a Class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph).

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However, if you wish to operate in class A, B, or C airspace, or at an altitude of over 10,000' MSL, or within a 30 nautical mile radius of the primary airport in class B airspace, you will need a transponder and altitude encoder (commonly referred to as mode C).

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Flights. Aircraft within Class B airspace are required to operate in accordance with current IFR procedures. A clearance for a visual approach to a primary airport is not authorization for turbine- powered airplanes to operate below the designated floors of the Class B airspace.

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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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Once you hear your callsign, you can enter the Class C airspace. Keep these important facts in mind: If the controller responds with (Aircraft callsign) standby, you have established two-way radio communication, and you can enter Class C airspace. If you don't hear your callsign, you CAN NOT enter the airspace.

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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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However, if you wish to operate in class A, B, or C airspace, or at an altitude of over 10,000' MSL, or within a 30 nautical mile radius of the primary airport in class B airspace, you will need a transponder and altitude encoder (commonly referred to as "mode C").

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The 250 KIAS maximum airspeed below 10,000 feet MSL was a rule of flight that was introduced a number of years ago to address the bird strike hazard of modern high-speed aircraft.

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Class C Airspace (Mandatory Radar) A shelf area with an outer radius of 10 nautical miles surrounds the core area. It extends from 1200 feet AGL to 4000 feet AGL. The airspace is depicted on charts as 2 concentric magenta circles.

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