AOPA Online - ASF Airspace Flash Cards
09/04/2007 11:43 PM
Site Map
What's New
Join/Renew
Aviation Classifieds
Links
Contact Us
Supplemental Discussion Questions
Airspace Flash Cards
Advanced search
1. Land-Based ADIZ
Q.: Is an ADIZ flight plan the same as a regular VFR flight plan?
AOPA Home
AOPA
Advocacy
About
»
»
AOPA Magazines
»
Member Products
»
Air Safety
Foundation »
President's Page
»
Learn to Fly
»
Calendar of
Events
»
My AOPA Membership »
Members Home
Weather
»
Flight
Planning
Airport Directory
»
AOPA Newsletters
»
A/C Valuation Services
Medical
»
Pilot Information Center»
Aviation Forums
A.: No. Though you won't find it defined in official documents, an ADIZ flight
plan (for the land-based ADIZ) is very similar to a DVFR (Defense VFR) flight
plan. It's not intended for search-and-rescue purposes, and—unlike a regular
VFR flight plan—it's transmitted to ATC.
Q.: If you were based at a towered field within the ADIZ and wanted to do
pattern work, would you need to file a flight plan?
A.: No. You would simply notify the tower of your intentions and squawk 1234
when assigned. Remember that this is true only for operations within the traffic
pattern at a field with an operating control tower.
2. FRZ
Q.: True or false: Pilots who violate the airspace around Washington, D.C., are
warned to depart the area by a system of laser beams.
A.: True. In 2005, NORAD introduced a system designed to provide a visual
warning to pilots who stray into (or near) the airspace around Washington, D.C.
Called the VWS, or Visual Warning System, it targets the aircraft with a highly
visible, but harmless, laser beam. For more information, see ASF's free Visual
Warning System Presentation.
Q.: True or false: Pilots who violate the airspace around Washington, D.C., are
warned to depart the area by a system of laser beams.
A.: True. In 2005, NORAD introduced a system designed to provide a visual
warning to pilots who stray into (or near) the airspace around Washington, D.C.
Called the VWS, or Visual Warning System, it targets the aircraft with a highly
visible, but harmless, laser beam. For more information, see ASF's free online
course.
3. Class B
Q.: If you owned a Piper Cub that had no transponder, and had never been
http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/airspace_questions.html
Page 1 of 6
AOPA Online - ASF Airspace Flash Cards
09/04/2007 11:43 PM
certified with an electrical system, could you legally fly it beneath the shelf of
a Class B airspace area?
A.: Yes, assuming that you remained clear of the Class B airspace. Aircraft that
have never been certified with engine-driven electrical systems are exempted
from the transponder requirement by FAR 91.215
Q.: Is it legal for a student pilot to fly solo into Class B airspace?
A.: Yes, but restrictions apply. The student pilot must have received both
ground and flight training on the specific Class B airspace area from an
instructor. Also, the instructor must have endorsed the student's logbook within
the 90-day period preceding the flight. At certain primary airports within Class B
airspace (Chicago O'Hare and Boston Logan, for example), solo student
operations are prohibited.
4. Class C
Q.: True or false: In Class C airspace, ATC assumes all responsibility for VFR
traffic separation.
A.: False. While ATC will generally provide traffic information, under VFR the
responsibility to see and avoid remains squarely upon the pilot's shoulders.
Remember to keep your eyes outside!
Q.: For purposes of entering Class C airspace, what constitutes "two-way
communication" with ATC?
A.: Basically, ATC needs to acknowledge your call sign. For example: If the
controller responds to your initial call-up with "Cessna 12345, standby," you
may proceed into the airspace. If, on the other hand, the controller says,
"Aircraft calling, standby," two-way communications have not been established,
and you should remain clear.
5. Class D
Q.: When the tower of a Class D airport is closed, what is the CTAF (Common
Traffic Advisory Frequency)?
A.: In most cases, the CTAF is the same as the tower frequency.
Q.: The abbreviation "NFCT" is sometimes associated with Class D airports on
sectionals. What does it stand for?
A.: "NFCT" stands for "Non-Federal Control Tower." At certain airports, control
towers are operated by private contractors rather than by the FAA. These
"contract towers" provide the same services as regular towers.
6. Class E, Transition Area
Q.: Why do the cloud clearance and visibility requirements for Class E airspace
increase above 10,000' msl?
A.: Because of higher aircraft speeds. Aircraft operating above 10,000' msl tend
to be faster, higher performance models. Also, because true airspeed increases
http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/airspace_questions.html
Page 2 of 6
AOPA Online - ASF Airspace Flash Cards
09/04/2007 11:43 PM
with altitude, all aircraft are moving somewhat faster relative to their indicated
airspeeds. The higher minimums give an additional margin of safety.
7. Class E, Surface Area
Q.: You're flying a VFR cross-country at 600' agl with two statute miles
visibility. A Class E surface area lies ahead. Common sense and minimum safe
altitudes aside, can you proceed through it legally?
A.: Not without a Special VFR clearance. Under normal circumstances, you need
at least three statute miles visibility to operate within Class E airspace (below
10,000 msl).
Q.: Assuming that no weather observer is on duty, what happens to a Class E
surface area if the automated weather observation system becomes
inoperative?
A.: It becomes Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, with a Class E transition area
(700' agl).
8. TRSA
Q.: Can you fly through a TRSA without talking to ATC?
A.: Yes. Participation in TRSA services is voluntary. Remember, though, that the
Class D airspace within a TRSA still requires two-way communication with ATC.
Q.: What are the visibility and cloud clearance requirements for a TRSA?
A.: A TRSA has no specific visibility/cloud clearance requirements. The
requirements for the "overlapping" airspace apply.
9. NSA
Q.: Could you receive an FAA violation for flying through an NSA?
A.: No, but you might attract unwanted attention, and the FAA could potentially
find some other aspect of your flight unsatisfactory. It's best to steer clear if
possible.
10. MOA
Q.: "Lights out" training takes place in certain MOAs. What is "lights out"
training?
A.:The night vision equipment used by military aviators doesn't function
properly in the presence of bright illumination. Because of the need to train
under realistic conditions, the military has secured permission to use certain
MOAs for operations in which pilots turn off all their exterior lights. For obvious
reasons, this makes it impossible for other aircraft to see and avoid them. See
ASF's Mission: Possible: Navigating Today's Special Use Airspace online course
for more information.
Q.: Where can you find the current status of a MOA?
http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/airspace_questions.html
Page 3 of 6
AOPA Online - ASF Airspace Flash Cards
09/04/2007 11:43 PM
A.: Flight Service can give current status, but since the schedule can change
frequently, it's best to check with the controlling agency (usually an ARTCC-Air
Route Traffic Control Center, or "Center") in flight prior to entering. For
preflight purposes, AOPA maintains a Web page showing current status and
schedules.
11. Alert Area
Q.: Does an alert area have active/inactive times?
A.: Yes, although it's best to consider an alert area active at all times. Be
particularly cautious as you scan for traffic.
12. Prohibited Area
Q.: Where could you find the altitude of a prohibited area's ceiling?
A.: The ceiling altitude can be found in the margin area of VFR sectional charts.
Be aware, however, that in some cases restricted areas sit atop prohibited
areas.
13. Restricted Area
Q.: What dangers might you encounter in an active restricted area?
A.: According to the AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual), active restricted
areas may contain "...unusual, often invisible, hazards to aircraft such as
artillery firing, aerial gunnery, or guided missiles."
14. SFAR Area
Q.: Where in the United States would you find an SFAR area?
A.: There are currently four SFAR areas—the Grand Canyon, IFR/GPS
operations in Alaska, Washington, D.C. FRZ and commercial air tour operators
in Hawaii.
15. TFR
Q.: If you accidentally enter a TFR and are intercepted by military aircraft, what
should you do?
A.: If you're already in communication with ATC, notify them that you have
been intercepted and follow their instructions. If not, tune your radio to 121.5
and attempt to contact the intercepting aircraft. Failing this, follow standard
intercept procedures. ASF provides a handy reference card.
16. Contiguous U.S. ADIZ
Q.: Under VFR, how much notice are you required to give before penetrating
the contiguous ADIZ?
A.: You should notify ATC of your estimated time of ADIZ penetration at least
http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/airspace_questions.html
Page 4 of 6
AOPA Online - ASF Airspace Flash Cards
09/04/2007 11:43 PM
15 minutes prior to entry.
17. Special Conservation Area
Q.: If a special conservation area includes a canyon, are you supposed to stay
at least 2,000 feet above the bottom, or the rim?
A.: According to FAA Advisory Circular AC 91-36, you should maintain at least
2,000 feet above the upper-most rim of a canyon within a special conservation
area.
18. Warning Area
Q.: What hazards to aircraft exist within warning areas?
A.: Although the hazards that exist within warning areas are not specified,
pilots should assume them to be much the same as those within an active MOA
or restricted area.
19. VFR Flyways
Q.: Will a VFR flyway keep you away from conflicting traffic beneath/around
Class B airspace?
A.: Not necessarily. The airspace around a Class B area may be filled with
aircraft of all different types, speeds and sizes. Pilots should scan carefully and
exercise caution at all times.
20. VFR Transition Routes
Q.: What is the purpose of a VFR transition route?
A.: According to the AIM, a VFR transition route is designed to "show the pilot
where to position the aircraft outside of, or clear of, the Class B airspace where
an ATC clearance can normally be expected with minimal or no delay."
21. Differential Floors of Class E Airspace
Q.: Why would the floors of two abutting class E airspaces vary?
A.: Differential class E airspace exists primarily for ATC coverage. These areas
are typically located in mountainous terrain where class G airspace extends into
higher msl altitudes.
22: IFR Routes
Q.: If I'm on a VFR flight, will ATC keep me away from traffic on IFR routes?
A.: ATC will provide separation services to VFR traffic on a workload-permitting
basis. Remember, when flying VMC it's the pilot responsibility to see and avoid
other traffic.
23. Mode C Veil
http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/airspace_questions.html
Page 5 of 6
AOPA Online - ASF Airspace Flash Cards
09/04/2007 11:43 PM
Q.: Do I need to be operating my transponder if I'm only transitioning through
a mode C veil (and not landing at an airport within the mode C area)?
A.: Yes, the requirements of FAR 91.215 apply to any aircraft within 30 nm of
most class B airports. (A list of these airports is available in FAR Part 91,
Appendix C, Section 1). This allows ATC to provide separation services to
arriving and departing IFR traffic and participating VFR traffic.
24. Military Training Routes (MTRs)
Q.: I fly in the vicinity of MTRs often and I have never seen any military aircraft
along these routes. Should I really be concerned about military air traffic?
A.: The military does use MTRs and it is the pilot's (that's you) responsibility to
see and avoid other traffic while in VMC.
If you are flying near, or through, an MTR you should plan to cross the MTR at
a ninety-degree angle to limit the amount of time that you're on the MTR
segment. Military aircraft often travel MTRs at very high speeds and crossing
the MTR perpendicularly reduces the changes of a collision.
Find more resources:
AOPA Air Safety Foundation home page
Free Online Courses
Accident Database/Analysis
Sporty's Safety Quiz
Library
Updated Monday, April 30, 2007 1:47:35 PM
Top
Printer Friendly Version
Public section: Home | Site map | About AOPA | Join or renew | What's new |
Advocacy | AOPA Pilot magazine | Member products | Air Safety Foundation |
President's page | Learn to fly | Calendar of events | Web links | Classified ads |
Search
Members section: My AOPA membership | Members home | Weather |
Flight planning | Airport directory | AOPA ePilot newsletters |
Aircraft valuation service | Medical | Pilot Information Center | Aviation forums
Special access: Airport Support Network | For reporters
©1995-2007 Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Our privacy policy | Contact AOPA | Terms of use
http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/flashcards/airspace_questions.html
Page 6 of 6