Airspace classes explained

What classes A to G mean for a VFR pilot: where you need a clearance, a radio, a transponder, and what separation you get.

The short answer

Classes A to E are controlled, F and G are uncontrolled. VFR flight is not allowed in class A. In B, C and D you need a clearance. In E you can fly VFR without a clearance, and in G you are largely on your own.

Class by class

• A: IFR only, everyone separated
• B: clearance required, everyone separated from everyone
• C: clearance required, VFR separated from IFR and given traffic information about other VFR
• D: clearance required, traffic information only between VFR and IFR
• E: IFR needs a clearance, VFR does not; no separation for VFR
• F: advisory service for IFR where it exists
• G: flight information service on request

Radio mandatory and transponder mandatory zones

Many states add RMZ and TMZ areas, often around smaller aerodromes or inside class E and G. An RMZ means you must call and keep a listening watch; a TMZ means your transponder must be on. They are shown on the chart and in the AIP.

Reading the chart

On a VFR chart each piece of airspace shows its class, its lower and upper limits, and often a frequency. Heights may be in feet AMSL, feet above ground (GND or AGL) or flight levels, so read the units carefully.