Class G Airspace: Everything You Need to Know

What is Class G Airspace?

Unlike the other five classes of airspace, Class G airspace is uncontrolled. It simply exists anywhere that is not designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. Class G airspace will be found bordering Class E airspace which is another type of airspace that often needs a bit of explanation.  

While IFR traffic is controlled in Class E airspace, once you enter Class G, both VFR and IFR traffic are uncontrolled.

How to Find Class G Airspace

Class G is often not specifically indicated on sectionals. The easiest way to locate Class G is by first finding Class E. Once you have located Class E airspace, any non-designated space between the surface and where Class E starts is by default, Class G.

Class G is usually found below 1,200 feet where Class E airspace typically starts, although there are of course exceptions.

Class G is more prevalent and may be found at lower altitudes in less dense areas of the country where IFR operations are less common. Sectionals for these areas indicate Class G by placing a faded blue boundary line around it.

Restrictions in Class G Airspace

Class G airspace may be uncontrolled, but that does not mean that it is unregulated. Although restrictions are few, they do exist, and pilots must be familiar with these restrictions as well as the weather requirements for this airspace.

• No communications requirements
• No specific instrument requirements for VFR pilots below 10,000 feet MSL
• Mode-C transponder required for VFR pilots flying above 10,000 feet MSL
• IFR pilots must meet standard IFR equipment requirements
• IFR pilots must meet IFR flight level or altitude requirements along with remaining at least 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 4 nautical miles from your course (2,000 feet in designated mountainous terrain)
• Maximum speed of 250 kts while flying below 10,000 feet MSL

Weather Minimums in Class G Airspace

The weather minimums in Class G vary based on altitude, whether it is day or night, and proximity to an airport. Here is what to know:

• 10,000 feet MSL or higher
  • 5 sm visibility
  • Cloud clearance minimums of 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 1 SM horizontally
• Above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL during the day
  • 1 sm visibility
  • Cloud clearance minimums of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally
• Above 1,200 feet AGL but below 10,000 feet MSL at night
  • 3 sm visibility
  • Cloud clearance minimums of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally
• 1,200 feet AGL and lower during the day
  • 1 sm visibility
  • Clear of clouds vertically and horizontally
• 1,200 feet AGL and lower at night
  • 3 sm visibility
  • Cloud clearance minimums of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontally
• Below 1,200 feet AGL, at night, within ½ mile of airport, and in the traffic pattern
  • 1 sm visibility
  • Clear of clouds vertically and horizontally

IFR Altitudes in Class G Airspace

To assist with aircraft spacing, the FAA has established designated flight altitudes for IFR traffic in Class G. Altitude is based on your magnetic course or ground track. If your course is 0° to 179° and you are below 18,000 feet MSL, fly odd thousands MSL, (3,000; 5,000; 7,000, etc.).

For pilots flying below 18,000 feet MSL on a course of 180° to 359°, fly even thousands MSL, (2,000; 4,000; 6,000, etc.).

Communications in Class G Airspace

It may not be required, but proactive communication within Class G airspace is certainly encouraged. Announcing your position to other pilots while you are in the vicinity of a Class G airspace airport enhances everyone’s safety. Without a controller to help coordinate traffic, each pilot must do their part to helps other pilots see and avoid them.

It is recommended that you make position calls at each of the following points:

• 10 miles away from the airfield
• 5 miles away from the airfield
• While overflying the airfield (if necessary)
• 45-degree entry to the downwind
• Downwind
• Base
• Final

Takeaways

Class G airspace is the only fully noncontrolled airspace of the six classes of airspace. Pilots may fly within Class G airspace provided they operate within the restrictions and meet the weather minimums assigned by the FAA.

Although radio communications are not required within Class G airspace, when landing at an airport located within this airspace, it is recommended that pilots make position calls starting 10 miles out to help other pilots locate and avoid them.

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Want a quick refresher on the other categories of airspace? Check out these articles:

• Class A Airspace: and How it Differs from All Other Categories of Airspace
• Class B Airspace: Who Can Enter and How to Get Permission
• Class C Airspace: All the Details You Need to Know
• Class D Airspace: Everything You Need to Know
• Class E Airspace: The Logic Behind It (Guide)