Class E Airspace - Where The Heck Does It Start?

[@UTLakelizard]

Like one of my favorite designated FFA examiners put it - class E airspace is 1,200 feet AGL, except where the elephant stepped and pressed it down to 700 feet (the magenta circles). It provided a real visual that I will never forget.

[@Fantikerz]

That's awesome, thanks! I don't think I'll forget that one.

[@tunascuba1]

+David Peek Very Good Elephant Stomping Explanation Mr. Peek...and Thank your FAA Examiner..

[@younesrj91]

well thanQ sir for this tip id never forget it this way 👍

[@joegarbera281]

If I'm right dashed magenta is where is his footprint at the surface and the vignette magenta is where he sat at 700 Ft

[@segwaydave]

Awesome! Many thanks!!!

[@futurejedi]

Thank you for this! My instructor has done a good job of breaking down airspace for me but this is one of the better videos I've watched that reinforce the explanation. My checkered is on Tuesday!!

[@JeezyLT7599]

You forgot to mention some other variants of class E. Surface. Extension. Federal Airways. Offshore. Enroute Domestic (you touched on it). Also, you the fact that TECHNICALLY class E exists above FL600. Also, you forgot about the 14,500 MSL default E airspace that normally exists in the mountains (not the zipper line). Good video, but in order to TRULY understand E it should be longer (or just read the FAR/AIM)

[@blueyephotog9527]

I love your work and explanations. You missed several other topics on this one such as the dashed magenta extending E to the surface and the fuzzy blue in relation to E/G

[@Broncs78]

Best description of class E air space...thx for not just saying 700ft without mentioning AGL. For beginners we need to know this. Also thanks for using alpha letters b/c it clarifies the airspace. Words are not always picked up correctly on Subtitles.

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@osobear875]

Thanks Jason, finally somebody explain it to me I’m gonna take my check ride very soon and I’ve been struggling with air space. I just wanted somebody to explain it to me clearly.And you did! Great job I appreciate it sincerely Peter

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Thanks! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out! Best of luck on your checkride!

[@joegarbera281]

Thank you for the excellent clarification. One thing I am still trying to understand is the Aeronautical Information Manuel section 3-2-6 indicates Class E airspace may, for an airport where a control tower is not in operation designated "Class E airspace surface areas extend upward from the surface area to a designated altitude or the adjacent or overlying air space. If I am understand this in such an instance the Class E starts at SFC and if so how is it designated.

[@carlosriosruiz9902]

If I may, I'd like to expand David Peek's comment which I found highly useful: I would say Class E airspace starts at 1200 ft. AGL or higher (Above FL600, Airspace 14500 fl. MSL - 17999 ft MSL; Class E transition Blue Vignette; En Route Domestic Area; Federal A. and Low-altitude RNAV Routes; Offshore Airspace; Differentiated floors of E airspace), except where the elephant stepped and pressed it down to 700 ft. AGL (Class E trans. magenta Vig.) and then once more until reached the surface (Class E Surface Area for airports with inoperative tower and class D and C part-time ops; and Surface Area Extension for B,C,D,E surface areas). Reference Part 91 airspace and AIM chapter 3 Airspace.

[@davidaranguren108]

Thank you so much for this, really, I had a hard time trying to understand CLASS E AND G

[@stancurtin]

This helps. I would have liked to see all the different ways Class E is represented on the chart too. Thanks.

[@tunascuba1]

Exellent explaination Mr. Jason...very descriptive and I really liked your slow style in this video...I for one needed this video and now I feel like I do understand E and G airspace....Thanks again from Sarasota Bob...See You at Sun-n-Fun...

[@gilkennedy7638]

I watched 3 or 4 videos for 60 min total, I did not get it until I watched your 5 min video....Thanks you

[@ericyoung8536]

I thought it was great. I also like how you mentioned the zipper. Growing up in the east not a lot of students hear or learn about it.

[@billhuttel3516]

Where is the legal basis in FAR 71.71 or FAA JO 7400.9W or elsewhere which makes a blanket class E at 1200 AGL for "Domestic Enroute" airspace? This is the confusing part. Why a 14500 if 1200 is blanket? The sectional uses "1200 AGL or above"; I can interpret 700 AGL magenta abuts 1200 or 14500. Also, using distances in 7400.9W -- appears 700 AGL starts at the outside, "hard edge" boundary -- is this correct? Also please comment on requirements to use transponder and mode C in class E.

[@joneden5690]

hi bill...you are right to be confused....imho, the 14500 (continental control area(cca)) is a legacy from the day when the only controlled airspace beneath the cca was along the airways and around busy airports--known as control zones back then....the expansion of the controlled airspace beyond the airways begin with feathered magenta and blue lines. if you will go to the below link, you will see a sectional from the 60s and you will see what i am talking about.....now the faa has dropped the feathered blue lines which formerly defined the lateral limits of controlled airspace existing between 1200 and 14500 and replaced them with double speak and circular reasoning.....there are only a few areas in the us where class g goes up to 14500--they are charted...therefore, everywhere else below the cca is class e (excluding classes bc&d) and and begins at either 700 or 1200 (except in the case class e surface and the class e extensions. www.airfields-freeman.com/FL/Airfields_FL_TampaS_htm_m7b4da46b.jpg

[@karen5508]

Jason, what's the difference between the blue "zipper" line and the shaded blue area on this map? You are so clear. Thanks for your help with Class E. Your rocket story really helped me.

[@prios5447]

great explanation! Much better than the dry class I just took from Drone Launch Academy.

[@DC8Super72]

Class E can also start at the surface around airports marked by a dashed blue or magenta line. Blue line for those with a control tower and magenta for uncontrolled field.

[@vicc3249]

Thank you for clarifying this..I had a conflict understanding the diff heights- issue when started..etc. Thanks again.

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

You are welcome. We are always here to help.

[@WoutervanTiel]

Thanks for the great video. It is now Feb 2021 and I live near Alexander Airport in Salida, CO and my sectional chart (paper 2018-2019) and IflyGPS on my tablet no longer show the blue class E line to 14,500' or the zipper line at 15,500'. What changed?

[@WoutervanTiel]

Of course Google had the answer: From a post placed by AOPA: "With the increased use of GPS/GNSS navigation systems, pilots routinely file and fly flight plans using point-to-point routes instead of published airways. As a result of this, the FAA’s Western Service Center has expanded Class E airspace in approximately 19 locations for vectoring IFR aircraft between en route airspace and terminal areas. This has triggered an addition of Class E airspace and a significant reduction of Class G airspace in parts of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, and a few other states. Class E airspace impacts the way many of our members fly in the western part of the United States, mainly due to the different weather requirements from Class G to Class E. Class G airspace at or below 1,200 feet AGL requires 1 SM visibility while remaining clear of clouds during daylight hours. From sunset to sunrise Class E minimums apply, which below 10,000 feet MSL are 3 SM visibility with 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds." Further comments by others: "“I was checking the sectionals and to my surprise ALL non standard class G in the CONUS disappeared!! Non Standard G = not 700 and not 1200.” No it hasn’t, at least not quite yet. The big bend area of Texas has some 14,500 G airspace (search for the airport 09TS). There’s also some SE of the SJN VOR, for just two examples. For the “zippered” class G, there’s a bunch just north of Las Vegas and some near Yuma, AZ, for two examples of that. They amount of this airspace HAS been dramatically reduced over just the last few years for the reasons John states, but it’s still out there." "I am curious who this is impacting. How many of their members fly around in this predominantly mountainous area and operationally need to fly VFR when the weather will not allow the 3-152 visibility and cloud clearance that Class E requires? I’m having a hard time envisioning many pilots who want to be able to fly VFR with only 1 mile of visibility and “clear of clouds” in the mountains (or anywhere, really). Is this actually an impact?" Answer:"early morning operations in many parts of the country, even during summer months, where farms are serviced by crop dusters often requires flying with less than 3 miles and 152 conditions until the day warms up and low visibility improves. This is not an isolated circumstance and occurs often. Flying from an uncontrolled airport in G airspace carrying mail, cancelled checks (not so much any more), and other similar operations happens every day in visibility less than 3 miles. Also, in many foothill areas (e.g., northern California) visibility and lowering cloud cover requires operations at 1 mile, clear of clouds. Remember, all of the small airports in G airspace, with paved and unpaved runways (notably out west) are there for a reason. Probably thousands of necessary operations/flights occur every year without incident in class G airspace with less than 3 miles visibility." I found this very interesting. I my case as a new pilot I have personal minimums that are higher than class E minimums, so for me effectively class E and G are the same. That sure makes it that much easier to manage. But I have to wonder, I live in that mountainous area and G airspace goes from surface to 1200 AGL on slopes as steep as 60 degrees and even cliffs. Strictly speaking you are allowed to fly 1SM vis & clear of clouds in that layer of air at 1,200 AGL contorted over some pretty serious terrain. I can't see flying that 'pocket' on a wind free day, and much less when the wind blows 20 knots and rotors form all around the ridges and I am flying below 1,200 just under a cloud cover getting tossed and down drafted. Seems to me in the mountainous areas G airspace weather minimums are of limited use if one were to want to take less rather than more risk.

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Glad you found the answer, Wouter! If you have any other questions or if we can help in anyway, please reach out to us at [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@larrymckinney1807]

Been struggling. You made it click. Thanks a Million

[@josuetirado]

very nice presentation. just started to Drone and needed a refresher.

[@skyraider65]

Great explanation of class "E" airspace Jason. Wish I found it before I took the written.

[@winstoninches6985]

Wonderful video. Am confused about how Class E usually starts at 1200 AGL, when Class G can go to 14,550 MSL. How do you know where G is limited by E in rural area?

[@magnm]

Is the shading, either blue, or magenta literaly for visibility minimums within that given terrain?

[@billsheehy1]

You are a very good instructor, and thanks for taking the time to inform us knuckleheads.

[@av8rshane491]

The airspace at CO11 no longer has the blue zipper line, must of changed since this video came out. Where does the class g airspace above L09 Stovepipe Wells and the 2 slivers of airspace west and south of PGA end? 17,999 MSL or 14,500 MSL?

[@jennifercetrone9860]

Where the heck does it start on the flower flat-topped hill with steep sides + horizontal strata?! Can you help???? I’m a tad confused . . . .

[@Taurineg]

Jen Mendes it has nothing to do with terrain shape. It’s AGL.

[@sailingandboating]

Great video. Question, in a Class E transition area when does it become class G? Is there a radius or distance in miles fir the transition?

[@eagleboy3912]

Do you have a video that talks about Class G airspace and how to tell on a sectional chart?

[@jobro6779]

I got my sport pilot license in Feb. of 2010. There is a lot of information that a pilot has to learn and remember. It took me a long time to understand class E for me as well. There wasn't much for videos on youtube back then. Sure is different today.

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Thanks for watching, Jo!

[@trekadvisor2865]

Best explanation from the best CFI!

[@guripilot]

hey i just started my ppl and im confused with a-g class air space. when you do not have a navigatoin how do you know where these airspaces are, at which altitude you need to climb or decend and when. what is the very first ring??

[@dlcrdz00]

Jason...Thank you so much for your explanation of Class E airspace. I like the scenario of the rocket ship and i understand your point. I would like to clarify something regarding takeoff and the different Classes we "fly through" as we climb. I don't want to over complicate this.

[@chadconnor405]

If u would explain WHY the class E AS is down to 700 ft it would help ! ,, It is there because the runway with the lowered class e airspace has Instrument landing procedure . ILS ... VOR .. or GPS ,, it is lowered so they can come down to a lower alt. under control. for the IFR approach .. Love your video's their great to watch.. and you help a lot of ppl with your giving experience// Thanks!

[@mstevens73]

Thank you for your clear presentation. So then... if flying a drone under Part 107 for the purpose of photographing Real Estate, INSIDE OF 5 miles of a Class E airspace, (like the one in your video) since I would be taking off in Class G airspace, is it true that I need NOT contact ATC/LAANC etc prior to takeoff?

[@camilomoreno6895]

What about the blue gradient?

[@jmcycle6441]

Hi Jason, thank you for the videos. At approximately 3:50, there is a symbol to the northwest of Marshall Pass that looks like two crossed axes. What is that? I can't find it in any reference materials or legends and have even flown over an area depicting that symbol and can't figure it out. A mine or quarry maybe?

[@eagleboy3912]

It is a mining area

[@SAFbikes]

In the second VFR sectional you show in Colorado the zipper line is showing where E starts at 15,500 MSL.. is the area just below.. where it says "Bonanza" is that class G?

[@ritchierich2820]

teamSAF bmx pretty sure that is Class G from the surface up to 14,500 im not sure if its msl or agl though, and than class E above up to class A

[@RK-de5wg]

Is it me, or did Jason say in the beginning of his explanation inside of the magenta circle, he stated class E starts at 700 ft AGL? I thought inside the magenta circle Class G starts at surface to 700 ft, then it is class E up to 1200? Outside of the magenta circle he restated it correctly that class E starts at 1200 ft, and when he corrected himself later he did it without mentioning the mistake? Correct me if I am wrong please?

[@johnnybickle13]

Then why when i am on the ground does it tell me i am in class E airspace if it does not start until 700 or 1200 AGL...?

[@stanleydenning]

I'm preparing to go to flight school for Powered Paragliding. I find that Airspace is the most confusing part of it all. So, Is class E at 12,000 and 700 starting from ground level and up. Or is it from 12,000 and 700 and up ? And if it's from there and up than what is the first 700 or 12,000 ?

[@shanec4441]

Please explain the class E airports with dashed magenta inner circle and a wide solid magenta outer line. Would the inner space be class E from surface to 700 above ground level? Outer ring floor 700 above ground?

[@dgibbphoto]

yes, class G below the 700 agl

[@abbieamavi]

Class Echo is still really confusing to me, because I'm scared I'll get a question on "where does this class E start?" on my written I';m taking in 1 week, and I still get confused sometimes! not good. but this was a very helpful video thank you!!

[@hatcherbyron]

J-Son! Question…. KMBT (Murfreesboro, TN Municipal) is a Class E airspace located within a Class B ring (KBNA Nashville). Does the airspace change to Class A at 18,000? Or does it switch to Class B at a lower Altitude?

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Hi Byron! Please reach out to us at [e-mail] so we can help you with your question!

[@coolvideos777]

Awesome video and thanks for sharing! I want to politely say that in a 5-minute video, you gave valuable information, but you repeated yourself several times. You have a positive energetic voice and disposition, but you repeated yourself several times. Maybe I'm being too over picky, I used to do the same thing until someone told me get to the point. I think you're a great person and keep up the awesome videos please!

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Thanks for the feedback, Jon!

[@JoeBoomerMusic]

Money. Thanks buddy. FAA pt. 107 test tomorrow. Very helpful

[@08turboSS]

What about the two different sized magenta circles? They both say Class E?? :/

[@tatb8055]

I’m one step closer to understanding but where I get confused is in the legend for Class E. There’s 4 indications of Class E airspace. This clip covers two of them. But it skips over the shaded blue transition areas and when Class E abuts Class G.

[@MDFRfiredriver]

Good presentation illustration. However maybe do side view similar to 3D visual. Similar to wedding cake of a Class Bravo Airspace. Just a thought

[@adamlinamen9720]

What are the blue shaded lines

[@jkiang]

That's another depiction of where class E starts that this video didn't cover I think. The darker side of the blue shade means class E's base starts at 14,500 MSL, while the other softer side means it E starts at 1,200 AGL

[@williammickelson403]

So class g airspace only goes to 700/1200 feet max? Short ceiling.

[@ehmt-19]

Man, after going thru my module, I was way confused. Thanks for helping to clear it up!

[@CassandraRDavis]

Thank you, this video was really helpful in understanding the difference between the two classes of airspace.

[@helidevil123]

Great simple slow explanation, yes I failed my first checkride on exactly this that now seems so simple. Why? who knows, different people have different explanations.

[@Paolo-qe7lc]

7 on the soft side, 12 on the hard side. Screwed up way my instructor taught me but I never forgot it!

[@CTde110]

Please explain this "hard side" and "soft side" (jokingly).

[@fly4fun24]

KbKV is a good one, Class D sfc to 1500 inside of an E, leaving just a narrow ring of class G sfc to 700

[@guardianipm]

Great job explaining,Jason!

[@EchoChick2009]

tnx 4 sharing,, ur vid's have very good audio quality (clear and clean) makes it easy to understand and follow along, tnx again!

[@rhondakoppelmann3124]

Super helpful. Going to look for more of your videos

[@josheastman1258]

Literally just failed my commercial check ride because I forgot class E can also start at 14,500’ is some areas, so don’t forget about that 👍

[@jimwilliams5887]

You've clarified this beyond simple. Thank you So much!

[@chicsman]

thanks very much for explanation of class E . I like your scenario of rocket launching example, that helps me understanding it loud and clear now. great job explaining it.

[@skyking7964]

ok, i love your videos just wanted to know if class E air space is at 700 ft & in some cases 1200 feet what class of airspase is it below those?

[@perrybrown3319]

Golf

[@bodywise007]

It's even more complex than this. There is now Class E2, E3 E4 airspace. Which no one seems to explain. E4 can extend to SFC. They are just making it more and more complex. Dotted magenta lines.

[@hoshosabushal]

Thanks. I was looking at the same airport before looking for explanation about Class E.

[@stephenhumphries7721]

Sir, Please explain the PURPOSE OF THE “G” and the REASON for the 700ft “E” start and 1200ft “E’…FAA REASONS ??

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Hello! It definitely takes practice, and it sounds like you're off to a good start!! Mistakes are normal. I'm happy to hear the trim technique is working for you!

[@dellzte]

This was so helpful. Thanks Jason!

[@yongdalai]

This video is helpful to me. Thank you. But... would you please speak much faster? I think even if people can't get you clear if you speak quick, they can replay it anyway. Just an advice. I really appreciate your work.

[@LaSalsaNegra23]

great videos always learning something when im watching them keep it up

[@TheStraiker]

Great explanation. Easy way to learn !!!! .

[@richardroberts3994]

Actually you misstated class E5 1200 airspace. If you see a blue faded line that indicates class E5 1200 foot airspace on one side and Class G (uncontrolled) airspace on the other side of the blue line.

[@rogangranite]

Thank for being there

[@briandowns990]

Thanks so much for this video. It really helped me understand the class E airspace.

[@JimMorten]

Excellent explanation, thank you very much

[@Bobster986]

Not sure why you're not using your green screen, but my guess is that you can't get it to look right. From what I can see is that the screen isn't stretched out flat and the light isn't even. Try those corrections and you shouldn't have any problems keying your backgrounds. Happy flying! :-)

[@duanethompson2360]

You didn’t mention dashed magenta surface E

[@whattheelle5744]

Thanks for making that easy to understand. You rock!

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Happy to help! Thanks for watching!

[@NicksWhipShop]

Thanks Jason!

[@glennelong]

Here's another 1. Where does class E start when the magenta circle is made up of segmented lines?

[@WalterEGho]

At the surface I believe

[@ernestquallis1181]

Surface

[@arthurrodrigues7545]

SFC

[@jmotazedi]

@mzeroaflighttraining wow that made a difference

[@mistercarstens]

Great way to explain it! Thank you!

[@vastvisualsbyfarrfilms7227]

Thanks, that was the explanation I have heard

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Thanks for watching!

[@fabiohenao183]

Im an old atp. Thats great teaching!!!

[@michaelhegyan7464]

Thnx...Jason. Very helpful.

[@joepasint2487]

The best yet.

[@sceneseekers1000]

Your awesome man! Keep up the good work!

[@rig21ful]

So douse e start at 700 in the and onley magenta airports The e air space is all ways 1200 Why is it starting at 15k I’m lost

[@Karl419.]

Wouldn't you hit class B airspace BEFORE class A? In Canada, Class B starts at 12,500 MSL and up to, but not including, 18,000.

[@eustatianwings]

+Karl Sawatzky In the US system, class B is only found around airports.

[@Karl419.]

Rgr. Yeah, I got it confirmed from Nav Canada - in Canada, Class B airspace is also around some airports but starts at 12,500 MSL until 18,000 MSL as well. Thanks :)

[@iluvDNA100]

You need to be controlled by 12,500ft in Canada? Huh. Do you have to be IFR up there or can you stay visual, and how to you determine who to talk to?

[@Karl419.]

You can still be VFR in Class B in Canada. However, 12,500 isn't Class B across the entire country. It's only in certain areas - you'd have to consult an en-route chart (probably low) and/or the DAH (Designated Airspace Handbook - published by Nav Canada).

[@iluvDNA100]

Karl Sawatzky Oh, so it's mostly like our class B. Thank you!

[@jmotazedi]

nicely done clears it up

[@yvettejonsson6400]

Extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@vloganv1]

Good information. Thank you.

[@mechalesteppes2470]

This was sooo helpful!!

[@WhyNotVideo211]

Always thought it started at 800 for some reason

[@herbiebackhoe5593]

Great... it all makes sense now!!! Thanks

[@garrettwilson3791]

All makes sense now. Thank you!

[@andrewcaroline]

Thank you for such great videos from a wanna be pilot .

[@asusjackson9286]

Thank you so much, it's crystal clear now

[@MzeroAFlightTraining]

Glad it helped!

[@freekyflyer4]

Great video!

[@thattechguy1398]

Checking in 2020, the weird Class E Airspace south of KANK is gone.

[@CaliRealEstatePro]

Im watching this on KZbin. I dont know if you will respond. But i have had a really tough time with Class E airspace. Now it makes sense. In the purple circle its 700 AGL, and outside its 1,200 AGL UNLESS indicated otherwise.... Thank you Jason. [e-mail]