Class Golf Aispace
Class Golf Airspace is uncontrolled areas whereby ATC does not have responsibility for or authority over aircraft.
Introduction
Introduction
- Class Golf (Class G) airspace is the uncontrolled "govern free" airspace which is void from Air Traffic Control (ATC) jurisdiction
- Class G airspace supports both Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) operations within
- When you have a solid understanding of Class Golf Airspace, compare your knowledge against the Private Pilot (Airplane) or Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Airman Certification Standards
Class Golf Air Traffic Services
Class Golf Air Traffic Services
- Given that Class Golf airspace is uncontrolled and often outside of radar coverage for air traffic control to monitor, air traffic control services are not offered.
Class Golf Airspace Dimensions
Class Golf Airspace Dimensions
- Class G airspace within the United States extends up to 14,500' Mean Sea Level (MSL)
- At and above this altitude is Class E, excluding the airspace less than 1500' above the terrain and certain special use airspace areas
Class Golf Airspace Depiction
Class Golf Airspace Depiction
- Class G airspace is not depicted on any chart
Class Golf Operating Rules & Pilot/Equipment Requirements
Class Golf Operating Rules & Pilot/Equipment Requirements
-
VFR Visibility Requirements:
- Altitude: 1,200' or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude)
- Flight Visibility:
- Day: 1 SM
- Night: 3 SM
- Distance from Clouds
- Clear of clouds
- Flight Visibility:
- More than 1,200' above the surface, but less than 10,000' MSL
- Flight Visibility:
- Day: 1 SM
- Night: 3 SM
- Distance from Clouds:
- 500' Below
- 1,000' Above
- 2,000' Horizontal
- Flight Visibility:
- More than 1,200' above the surface and at or above 10,000' MSL
- Flight Visiblity:
- Day and Night: 5 SM
- Distance from Clouds:
- 1,000' Below
- 1,000' Above
- 1 SM Horizontal
- Flight Visiblity:
- Altitude: 1,200' or less above the surface (regardless of MSL altitude)
Entry Requirements:
- None
Pilot Certification:
- Student pilot certificate
Aircraft Separation:
- No formal separation services are provided
- The pilot is responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft
Small Unmanned Aircraft Operations:
- 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)
- No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base
- Recreational flyers are limited to 400 feet AGL in Class G airspace, without special authorization
Speed Restrictions:
- 250 knots below 10,000' MSL
Class Golf Airspace Considerations
Class Golf Airspace Considerations
- Except when associated with a temporary control tower, ATC does not have responsibility for or authority over aircraft in Class G airspace; however, most regulations affecting pilots and aircraft still apply
- Pilots are reminded that in addition to IFR altitude or flight level requirements, FAR 91.177 includes the IFR requirement to remain at least 1,000' (2,000' in mountainous terrain) above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 NM from course to be flown
- IFR Altitudes (below 18,000'):
- 0 to 179 degrees: Odd thousands MSL (3,000', 5000', etc.)
- 180 to 359 degrees: Even thousands MSL (2,000', 4000', etc.)
- When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower in Class G airspace:
- Each pilot of an airplane must make all turns of that airplane to the left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings indicating that turns should be made to the right, in which case the pilot must make all turns to the right
- Each pilot of a helicopter or a powered parachute must avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft
- Except when necessary for training or certification, the pilot in command of a civil turbojet-powered aircraft must use, as a final flap setting, the minimum certificated landing flap setting set forth in the approved performance information in the Airplane Flight Manual for the applicable conditions
- Each pilot in command has the final authority and responsibility for the safe operation of the pilot's airplane, and may use a different flap setting for that airplane if the pilot determines that it is necessary in the interest of safety
- Unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC, no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport having an operational control tower unless two-way radio communications are maintained between that aircraft and the control tower
- Communications must be established prior to 4 NM from the airport, up to and including 2,500' AGL
- If the aircraft radio fails in flight, the pilot in command may operate that aircraft and land if weather conditions are at or above basic VFR weather minimums, visual contact with the tower is maintained, and a clearance to land is received
- If the aircraft radio fails while in flight under IFR, the pilot must comply with IFR two-way radio communications failure procedures
Conclusion
Conclusion
- Federal Aviation Regulation 91.155 governs VFR ceiling and visibility minimums.
- FAR 91.126 regulates operations within Class G airspace
- Remember to comply with all noise abatement procedures, found in the Chart Supplement U.S.
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References
References
- Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot/Controller Glossary
- Aeronautical Information Manual (Chapter 3) Class G Airspace
- AeroNav Products - Aeronautical Chart User's Guide
- AOPA - Know Before You Go: Navigating Today's Airspace
- CFI Notebook.net - Airport Markings and Signs
- CFI Notebook.net - Aviation Roles
- CFI Notebook.net - Light Signals
- CFI Notebook.net - Pilot Information Manual
- CFI Notebook.net - Right of Way
- CFI Notebook.net - Traffic Pattern
- Federal Aviation Administration Order (7400.9) Airspace Designations and Reporting Points
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.126) Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.177) Minimum Altitudes For IFR Operations
- Federal Aviation Regulations (91.185) IFR Operations: Two-way Radio Communications Failure
- Instrument Flying Handbook (1-2) Airspace Classification