In every course or curriculum, there's always some topics that the students are not available to grasp an understanding of right away. In aviation, this would be Class E airspace. Most students are confused about its jurisdiction. Where does it start exactly? Does it start at 700 feet AGL? Why are others saying that it starts at 1200 feet AGL? These questions will be addressed by this article. By the time you are done reading this, hopefully you would've gained an understanding of this particular class of airspace.
In a sectional, the Class E is denoted by a faded magenta circle. Now, this circle represents the area known as the transition area for a Class E airspace, and this area is always found within an airport. When you're in this area, bear in mind that Class E airspace here begins at 700 feet AGL. That's 700 feet above ground level, and is always the unit used to denote Class E airspace jurisdiction unless otherwise indicated.
The 700 feet AGL starting point is limited only to the area covered by the transition area. Once you're outside this area, the limits of Class E airspace changes yet again. This time, you have to hit 1200 feet AGL before you can consider yourself operating within Class E airspace.
So remember this: in a sectional, when you find a faded magenta circle, this means that class E airspace begins at 700 feet AGL. Places outside the faded magenta circle, their Class E airspace starts at 1200 feet AGL. That should be pretty easy to remember.
There may be times that the 1200 feet AGL or 700 feet AGL rule will not apply. This is true in sectionals that represent high altitude areas. In here, the start of Class E jurisdiction is always indicated, but it will be in an MSL altitude rather than AGL. Also, instead of a faded magenta circle, the Class E transition will be symbolized by a blue zipper line that borders its covered areas. Inside and outside transition areas, you will find an altitude indicated and this will be the floor altitude of Class E in this jurisdiction.
Now that you've learned more about Class E airspace, it probably isn't difficult for you now to understand and remember the different altitudes from which this type of airspace will begin.
In a sectional, the Class E is denoted by a faded magenta circle. Now, this circle represents the area known as the transition area for a Class E airspace, and this area is always found within an airport. When you're in this area, bear in mind that Class E airspace here begins at 700 feet AGL. That's 700 feet above ground level, and is always the unit used to denote Class E airspace jurisdiction unless otherwise indicated.
The 700 feet AGL starting point is limited only to the area covered by the transition area. Once you're outside this area, the limits of Class E airspace changes yet again. This time, you have to hit 1200 feet AGL before you can consider yourself operating within Class E airspace.
So remember this: in a sectional, when you find a faded magenta circle, this means that class E airspace begins at 700 feet AGL. Places outside the faded magenta circle, their Class E airspace starts at 1200 feet AGL. That should be pretty easy to remember.
There may be times that the 1200 feet AGL or 700 feet AGL rule will not apply. This is true in sectionals that represent high altitude areas. In here, the start of Class E jurisdiction is always indicated, but it will be in an MSL altitude rather than AGL. Also, instead of a faded magenta circle, the Class E transition will be symbolized by a blue zipper line that borders its covered areas. Inside and outside transition areas, you will find an altitude indicated and this will be the floor altitude of Class E in this jurisdiction.
Now that you've learned more about Class E airspace, it probably isn't difficult for you now to understand and remember the different altitudes from which this type of airspace will begin.
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Jason Schappert continues his quest to help private pilots and student pilots all around the world with his new Online Ground School. Visit Jason Schappert's Online Ground School and find out what it has in store for you.
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