Controlled Airspace - ATC separates IFR aircraft but VFR pilots provide their
separation (positive control airspace ATC is provided to all)
Uncontrolled Airspace - Pilots provide their own separation ( class G)
Special Use Airspace (SUA) - Airspace within which there are special operating
restrictions and rules
Classes A -E Airspace - Controlled Airspace
Class G airspace - Uncontrolled airspace
VHF OMNI RANGE (VOR) - Aids navigation Sends out signals (radial) in 360* which a
receiver in the aircraft can individually display and thereby aid a pilot in determining a
course TO or FROM a station. ( Bearing) Does not provide distance from station
The 3 Basic Separation Standards used by ATC - Miles, Altitudes (Feet), and minutes
RNAV (Area Navigation) - Systems developed to allow pilots to bypass the airway
system and navigate directly to the airport
Course line computer ( also known as RNAV) - Determine aircraft current position
using VORTAC/DME and then mathematically calculates the bearing and distance to
any desired location.
VFR rules - 3 miles visibility and the pilot can either see the airport or can follow
another aircraft to the airport
IFR Rules - Required to file flight plan, receive operating clearances, maintain contact
w ATC, and adhere to ATC instructions. Below 18,000 IFR pilots must still be on lookout
for VFR pilots
Class A airspace - 18,000-60,000 only IFR. Most restrictive, (positive controlled) ATC
separates every type of aircraft.
Class B Airspace - Surface up to 10,000 ft MSL surrounding nation's busiest airports;
upside-down wedding cake. ATC clearance required; VFR operations is "clear of
clouds"
, Class C Airspace - (Medium activity airports) surface to 4,000 ft, no clearance,
restricted speed of 200 knots within 4 miles of primary airport. Controller separates all
aircraft. VFR required to communicate w ATC before entry.
Class D Airspace - Surface up to 2,500 ft MSL surrounding airports with operational
control tower. Restricted speed 200 knots within 4 miles of airport. VFR required to
communicate w ATC before entering.
Class E Airspace - If airspace is not A, B, C, or D. usually extends from 18,000' MSL to
the top of other designated airspace. All victor airways fall into this airspace
Class F Airspace - Not used in the United States, used internationally in areas of
limited ATC capability
Class G Airspace - Uncontrolled airspace within which ATC services are not provided.
Separation is on the pilot. This airspace is mostly located away from major airports and
below 1,200 feet AGL
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Above 3,000 ft or 1,000 ft above terrain -
1,500m horizontally & 1,000 ft vertically from cloud. Flight visibility 5km below 10,000
and 8km above 10,000ft
Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) Below 3,000 ft or 1,000 ft above terrain - Clear
of clouds and in sight of the surface, flight visibility 5 km
FAA has divided the nation's airspace into how many areas? - 22
Letter of Agreement (LOA) - States the procedures and rules When local facility
(TRACON/Control tower) takes responsibility of some airspace
LOA 1 - The physical dimensions of the airspace
LOA 2 - The approved altitudes and airways used by aircraft that cross the boundary
between the two facilities
LOA 3 - Procedures used by air traffic controllers when an aircraft progresses from one
facility's area of responsibility into the next
LOA 4 - The separation responsibilities of each facility
LOA 5 - The communication procedures to be utilized to coordinate information
ARTCC and/or TRACON is divided into smaller areas called - Sectors ( 20-80)
Low altitude sectors - Earth's surface up to 24,000 feet (MSL)