Identifying the ceiling of Class E airspace is easy, since it always ends at 17,999' MSL, with Class A airspace above (and then starts again at FL600/60,000' if you're out joyriding in an SR-71).
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Class E airspace rarely goes all the way to the surface, and in non-mountainous terrain, the floor of Class E airspace is typically 700 feet or 1,200 feet AGL.
Class E airspace rarely goes all the way to the surface, and in non-mountainous terrain, the floor of Class E airspace is typically 700 feet or 1,200 feet AGL.
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.
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC)
Class E airspace exists to provide added protection for the separation of IFR and VFR aircraft. It creates a type of airspace in which VFR pilots do not need special clearances, but IFR pilots do.
Class E Transition AreasIt often surrounds individual airports or groups of airports. So why does the Class E airspace suddenly drop from 1,200 feet AGL to 700 feet AGL in these areas? Think of it like Class B or C airspace, it drops down to protect aircraft on approach or departure from an airport.
The answer lies within the faded magenta circle that typically surrounds nontowered airports. In the example above, the floor of Class E is 700' on the faded side of the border (the airport surface area) and 1,200' everywhere else.
Vertical boundaryThe Fédération Aéronautique Internationale has established the Kármán line—at an altitude of 100 km (62 mi)—as the boundary between the Earth's atmosphere and outer space, while the United States considers anyone who has flown above 80 kilometres (50 mi) to be an astronaut.
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.
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.
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.
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.