Class E Airspace Explained

Class E airspace covers more of the skies than you might think. It’s nicknamed “Class Everywhere,” but it often goes unnoticed.

You don’t need to check in with air traffic control (ATC) when flying VFR in Class E. But, it has a structure and purpose. It helps separate traffic at different altitudes.

Class E is always in the background, making sure both VFR and IFR traffic can coexist in safety.

Let’s break down what makes this airspace unique. You’ll need to understand its boundaries and rules. They’re more important than you might think.

Key Takeaways

• Class E airspace is the most common controlled airspace in the United States.
• It typically begins at 1200 feet AGL but can start lower in some locations.
• No ATC clearance is required for VFR flights below 10,000 feet.
• Use the Cessna 3-152 mnemonic to remember weather minimums for VFR.

Introduction to Class E Airspace

Class E airspace is the most common type of controlled airspace. This airspace provides ATC services to all IFR aircraft and VFR traffic upon request. You can think of Class E as the ‘default’ controlled airspace – anywhere not defined as a different Class of airspace.

While other types of controlled airspace require two-way radio communication, IFR flight plans, and various kinds of equipment, Class E airspace below 10,000 feet does not. 

Think of Class E as the middle child of the airspace family. It’s not as strict as Class A, B, C, or D, but it’s more structured than Class G. It’s the airspace you will spend most of your flying time in. 

Why do you need to learn about Class E airspace? If you are a student pilot who plans on flying their first solo cross-country or a veteran pilot going on a trip, learning how to navigate via Class E airspace is a must. 

However, many pilots find Class E airspace confusing because of the different types of altitudes and markings on the sectional chart. We will show you how to identify the airspace in the next section. 

Where Does Class E Airspace Begin?

Let’s talk about where Class E airspace begins. The answer? Almost everywhere, but at different altitudes.

The 1200-Foot Rule

Usually, Class E airspace starts at 1200 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). This is the most common configuration. Many states have large areas of Class E starting at 1200 feet, shown by a blue fuzzy line on the sectional chart. 

The 700-Foot Exception

In some cases, Class E can begin as low as 700 feet AGL to offer support for instrument approaches. These are commonly referred to as transition areas. On sectional charts, you can find Class E starting at 700 feet in areas located inside a faded magenta shape.

Surface-Level Class E

Sometimes, Class E airspace can start from the surface in airports with instrument approaches but no control tower. You can easily identify this airspace on the map by looking for a dashed magenta circle around the airport.

Class E Airspace Dimensions

As a pilot, you must understand Class E airspace and its dimensions. Generally, if you’re not in Class A, B, C, D, or G airspace, you’re flying in Class E. Remember the key to navigating Class E is to check your sectional charts.

Let’s take a look at Class E dimensions:

Vertical Limits

Vertically, Class E airspace ranges from 700 or 1200 feet up to 18,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL). At 18,000 feet, the airspace transitions into Class A. Class E also includes high-altitude airspace above 60,000 feet MSL. That’s higher than commercial airliners fly.

Horizontal Spread

Class E airspace is not standardized in terms of shape or size laterally. The airspace covers large areas of most of the United States. Outside large metropolitan areas, Class E is the only controlled airspace you will most likely come across.

Special Configurations

Class E can take on different configurations. In some places, you might find corridors of Class E airspace that connect to other areas. These spaces often align with instrument flight routes.

Why this structure? The lower layers (700 or 1200) of Class E offer safer IFR operations and allow VFR flights to operate with fewer restrictions. The layer above 60,000 feet supports high-altitude balloons and future usage for space tourism and transport.

Note: Before you take off, review your sectional charts so you know exactly where Class E starts and where it ends along your planned route. 

Weather Minimums for Class E

The VFR weather minimums in Class E airspace change based on your altitude:

Below 10,000 feet MSL:

• 3 Statute Miles (SM) visibility
• 1000 feet above clouds
• 500 feet below clouds
• 2000 feet horizontal from clouds

At or Above 10,000 feet MSL:

• 5 SM visibility
• 1000 feet below clouds
• 1000 feet above clouds
• 1 SM horizontal from clouds

Why these specific numbers? They allow you enough clearance to see and avoid other airplanes. These weather minimums exist to prevent you from flying into clouds if you are not an instrument-rated pilot. 

At altitudes over 10,000 feet MSL, the visibility minimums go up from 3 to 5 SM to give you more time to react. At this altitude, commercial airlines and high-speed aircraft move in and out of the clouds. 

Keep in mind, that these are minimums. In many cases, it is useful to have more spacing from the clouds, especially if you are a Student Pilot. 

Remember the Cessna 3-152 Rule

An easy way to remember the VFR weather minimums for Class E airspace below 10,000 feet is to think of 3 Cessna 152s flying in the sky.

Purpose and Functions of Class E Airspace

Class E airspace has an important purpose in the National Airspace System. Class E airspace has fewer restrictions, and you can freely fly in the airspace as long as you follow the flight rules of IFR or VFR. Let’s look at some of the functions of Class E.

Balanced Airspace

Class E airspace provides a safe balance for IFR and VFR flights. Most importantly, you do not require clearance or need to talk to a controller for VFR under 10,000 feet. However, it is your responsibility to keep a safe distance from the other aircraft using the ‘see and avoid’ rule.

Buffer Zone

Think of Class E as a buffer between the busy, controlled airspace near airports and the uncontrolled Class G airspace. It’s a zone where you can gradually adjust to different rules and procedures.

Victor Airways

Many low-altitude Victor Airways (VORs), also known as highways in the sky, run through Class E airspace. The total width of these airways is usually 8 Nautical Miles (NM). These airways help guide IFR and VFR aircraft from one navaid/VOR to another. 

Transition Into Airspaces

Often, Class E airspace acts as a transition zone into other airspaces. For example, when descending from Class A airspace, you must pass through Class E before entering Class B, C, or D.

Reversions: When Airspace Changes

A fun fact about Class E airspace is that it can change its classification based on certain conditions. For instance, in small airports with part-time control towers, the airspace changes from Class D to Class E after the tower closes.

Conclusion

You may not think much about Class E airspace. But, if you fly between 700 feet AGL and 18,000 feet MSL, you’re likely in it.

It doesn’t ask much unless the weather worsens or you’re above 10,000 feet. But, Class E still helps keep things orderly up there.

Next time you’re scanning a sectional, those faded magenta vignettes might just stand out a little more.If you want to deepen your knowledge of airspace, check out Airspace Classes Explained.