Class Golf Airspace

Introduction:

Airspace Dimensions
General Airspace Overview

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

Airspace Depiction:

  • Sectional Charts
    Amazon, Sectional Charts
  • Sectional Charts
    Amazon, Sectional Charts
  • Class G airspace is not depicted on any chart

Air Traffic Control Facility:

  • None

VFR Visibility Requirements:

  • In accordance with FAR 91.155:
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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

Operating Rules and Pilot/Equipment Requirements:

  • Entry Requirements:

    • None

  • Qualifications:

    • 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

Restrictions:

  • 250 knots below 10,000' MSL

Notes:

  • 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

Private Pilot - National Airspace System Airman Certification Standards:

  • Applicants must satisfy the requirements of Section I, Task E by exhibiting satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with the National Airspace System (NAS) operating under VFR as a private pilot
  • References: 14 CFR parts 71, 91, 93; FAA-H-8083-2; Navigation Charts; AIM

National Airspace System Knowledge:

The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of:

  • PA.I.E.K1:

    Types of airspace/airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations

  • PA.I.E.K2:

    Charting symbology

  • PA.I.E.K3:

    Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas

National Airspace System Risk Management:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks, encompassing:

  • PA.I.E.R1:

    Various classes and types of airspace

National Airspace System Skills:

The applicant demonstrates the ability to:

  • PA.I.E.S1:

    Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace

  • PA.I.E.S2:

    Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements

  • PA.I.E.S3:

    Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with SATR and SFRA operations, if applicable

Conclusion:


References: