What is the maximum speed in controlled airspace?

§ 91.117 Aircraft speed. (a) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate an aircraft below 10,000 feet MSL at an indicated airspeed of more than 250 knots (288 m.p.h.).



In the United States, the FAA enforces several speed limits within controlled airspace to ensure safe separation between aircraft. Below 10,000 feet MSL, the maximum indicated airspeed for any aircraft is 250 knots (approx. 288 mph). Additionally, in the airspace underlying Class B (the "busy" airspace around major airports) or when flying in a VFR corridor, the limit is further reduced to 200 knots. For Class C and Class D airspace (around smaller towered airports), the speed limit is also 200 knots when within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport and below 2,500 feet AGL. Above 10,000 feet, there is no specific speed limit other than remaining subsonic (below Mach 1), unless specifically instructed by Air Traffic Control. In 2026, these regulations remain strictly enforced to provide pilots with enough time to "see and avoid" other traffic in congested areas. Pilots can only exceed these speeds if their aircraft's minimum safe maneuvering speed is higher, in which case they must inform ATC immediately.

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Aircraft Speed. Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a Class C airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph).

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Since Class D is controlled airspace all the way to the surface, you can't fly VFR when the ceiling (a broken or overcast cloud layer) is less than 1000' AGL (FAR 91.155 (c)), or when the visibility is less than 3 SM.

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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. Class G: This airspace is uncontrolled.

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In the 1900s, Hungarian physicist Theodore von Kármán determined the boundary to be around 50 miles up, or roughly 80 kilometers above sea level. Today, though, the Kármán line is set at what NOAA calls “an imaginary boundary” that's 62 miles up, or roughly a hundred kilometers above sea level.

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Class G airspace will always start at the ground and go up to 14,500' msl as a maximum.

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Definition. Generally, that airspace from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and that have a certain number of IFR operations or passenger enplanements.

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For flight near airports in controlled airspace, drone operators must receive an airspace authorization prior to operation. Airspace authorizations come with altitude limitations and may include other operational provisions. Controlled airspace and other flying restrictions can be found on our B4UFLY app.

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