Class E Airspace: The Logic Behind It (Guide)
Class E airspace may be the most common type of controlled airspace, but is also the least regulated, and perhaps one of the most confusing of the six classes of controlled airspace. With all its variations and complexities, it is no wonder that many pilots could use a little extra explanation on the logic behind Class E airspace. What are the requirements within Class E airspace? What types of Class E airspace are there? How are they designated and displayed on sectionals? At what altitude is Class E airspace found?
Class E airspace may be the most common type of controlled airspace, but it’s also one of the most confusing. It has multiple “floors,” different chart depictions, and rules that vary based on altitude and weather conditions.
With all its variations and complexities, it’s no wonder many pilots want a clearer explanation of the logic behind Class E. What are the requirements within Class E? What types of Class E airspace are there? How are they designated and displayed on sectionals? At what altitude is Class E found?
We’ll cover all of those questions in this guide.
Table of Contents
What is Class E Airspace?
Think of Class E as the “fill-in” controlled airspace. It’s used to bridge the gaps between other controlled airspace classes and to support IFR operations in areas that don’t have a control tower or don’t otherwise require Class B, C, or D.
Class E is controlled airspace. ATC services are available (and required for IFR operations), but VFR pilots generally don’t need a clearance to enter or operate in Class E.
In most cases, Class E is managed by ATC via radar and en route facilities rather than by a local tower. Class E airspace below 14,500 feet MSL is depicted on VFR sectionals and terminal area charts (and on IFR low altitude en route charts).
Requirements of Class E Airspace
Class E is controlled airspace, but it does not require two-way radio communication for VFR operations (unless operating under Special VFR or other specific circumstances). Weather minimums are the big “requirement” most pilots reference when talking about Class E.
- Below 10,000 feet MSL: 3 statute miles visibility; 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds
- At and above 10,000 feet MSL: 5 statute miles visibility; 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds
- Equipment requirements: No special equipment is required just to operate in Class E (separate rules may apply for ADS-B Out, transponder, etc. depending on where you’re flying)
Purpose of Class E Airspace
Class E exists primarily to support IFR operations while minimizing extra requirements for VFR pilots. It provides controlled airspace where IFR aircraft can be separated and managed by ATC (especially near airports using instrument approaches), while VFR aircraft can still operate without needing a clearance or routine radio contact.
Class E Airspace Altitude
Class E can begin at different altitudes depending on location and operational needs. That variability is what makes it confusing at first.
Common Class E “floors” include:
- 1,200 feet AGL: the most common starting point for Class E in many areas
- 700 feet AGL: commonly used around airports to protect IFR arrivals/departures
- Surface (SFC): used where additional protection is needed down to the ground (often at non-towered airports with instrument procedures)
In much of the U.S., Class E extends upward to (but does not include) 18,000 feet MSL (Class A begins at 18,000 MSL). In the upper atmosphere, airspace above FL600 is also designated Class E.
Class E Airspace Transitional Area
Class E transitional areas are typically found around airports or groups of airports and are designed to protect IFR traffic transitioning between the terminal and en route environments.
On VFR sectionals, Class E that begins at 700 feet AGL is generally depicted with a faded magenta “vignette” around the airport area. Inside that shaded area, Class E starts at 700 feet AGL. Outside of it, Class E typically begins at 1,200 feet AGL unless otherwise designated.
Depending on terrain and IFR procedure needs, transitional areas may include irregular extensions to provide protected airspace for climb and descent.
Class E Airspace Surface Area
In some areas, Class E begins at the surface. This is used to provide controlled airspace down to ground level (often to support instrument procedures at airports without a control tower).
On VFR charts, Class E surface area is typically shown with a dashed magenta line. It may appear “cut out” within a larger magenta vignette area—meaning you can have a surface Class E area inside a broader region where Class E begins at 700 feet AGL.
Operationally, surface Class E supports IFR arrivals/departures while still allowing VFR pilots to operate without tower-style communication requirements (as long as VFR weather minimums are met).
Class E Airspace Around Victor Airways
Victor airways are published low-altitude IFR routes. The controlled airspace associated with these routes is typically Class E that provides a protected corridor for IFR navigation along the airway structure.
A Victor airway is generally 8 NM wide (4 NM on either side of centerline). In many areas, the associated Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL and extends up to (but not including) 18,000 feet MSL.
Class E En Route Domestic Areas
Some Class E areas exist where IFR en route ATC services are required but not otherwise supported by the federal airway structure. These are often called en route domestic Class E areas.
On VFR sectionals, these areas are depicted with a faded blue “vignette”. Within the shaded blue area, Class E begins at 1,200 feet AGL.
Class E Airspace Shapes
Class E shapes vary based on what the airspace is protecting. Some areas are circular around an airport, while others have extensions that follow instrument approach paths or departure corridors.
Rectangular or irregular “arms” connected to a circular area often indicate protected IFR routes for approaches or climbs. Surface Class E may also be surrounded by a 700-foot transition area, which can create a layered look on charts (though it’s not the same as the “wedding cake” structure of Class B or C).
FAQs
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Where does Class E airspace start?
It depends on location. Common Class E floors are the surface (SFC), 700 feet AGL, and 1,200 feet AGL. Charts show which floor applies in a given area.
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What is the difference between Class G and Class E airspace?
Class G is uncontrolled airspace. Class E is controlled airspace. VFR pilots can operate in both (when weather minimums are met), but IFR operations require ATC clearance and services in Class E.
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Can you fly VFR in Class E airspace?
Yes. VFR pilots generally do not need a clearance to operate in Class E, but they must meet the required VFR weather minimums.
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What is the difference between Class C and Class E airspace?
Class C typically surrounds busier towered airports and requires two-way radio communication prior to entry. Class E is controlled airspace but generally does not require routine VFR communications to enter.
Learn More
To better understand the logic behind airspace design, watch fly8ma’s video on Class E airspace. He walks through sectional examples and explains how to interpret the different Class E depictions.
For drone pilots studying airspace, The Complete Remote Pilot from ASA is a great resource. For all pilots, the ASA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge includes a strong airspace refresher and much more.
Check out our Flight Training Material collection for hundreds of books and training materials.
1 comment
Outstanding presentation on air spaces. Keep up the great work!