2.4 Class E and Class G Airspace

2.4 Class E and Class G Airspace

Class E and Class G airspace make up the majority of the NAS where Part 107 drone operations occur. Understanding the distinction between them — and particularly the surface area concept for Class E — is critical for the exam.

Class E Airspace

Class E is controlled airspace that is not Class A, B, C, or D. It exists in several forms:

Class E Surface Area (Authorization Required)

• Extends from the surface upward
• Typically surrounds airports with instrument approach procedures but no operating control tower
• Depicted on sectional charts with a dashed magenta line
• Part 107 authorization IS required to operate in Class E surface area

Class E Transition Area

• Typically begins at 700 feet AGL or 1,200 feet AGL
• Provides controlled airspace for IFR transitions between airports
• 700 ft AGL transition areas shown with a magenta vignette (shading) that fades from the boundary
• 1,200 ft AGL transition areas have no special marking — Class E beginning at 1,200 ft AGL is the default in most areas
• Part 107 authorization is NOT required for transition areas (you will be below 400 ft AGL anyway)

Class E En Route

• Exists above 14,500 feet MSL over most of the contiguous US
• Not relevant to Part 107 operations (well above 400 ft AGL limit)

Class E Identification on Charts

Critical Distinction: A dashed magenta line indicates Class E surface area (authorization required). A magenta vignette (shading that fades) indicates Class E starting at 700 ft AGL (no authorization needed for Part 107 ops at typical altitudes).

Class G Airspace

Class G is uncontrolled airspace — the only airspace class where ATC does not provide any services. This is the most permissive airspace for Part 107 operations.

Where is Class G?

• Typically from the surface up to the base of Class E airspace
• In most areas, Class G extends from the surface to 700 feet AGL or 1,200 feet AGL (where Class E begins above)
• In some remote areas, Class G may extend from the surface to 14,500 feet MSL

Part 107 in Class G:

• No ATC authorization required
• All standard Part 107 rules still apply (altitude, speed, visibility, VLOS, etc.)
• Must still check for TFRs, NOTAMs, and other airspace restrictions
• Most Part 107 operations occur in Class G airspace

Class G Weather Minimums (VFR)

While these minimums are for manned aircraft (Part 107 has its own visibility requirements), the exam may reference them:

Remember: Part 107 has its OWN weather minimums (3 SM visibility, 500 ft below clouds, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds) that apply regardless of airspace class.

Practical Tip: Determining Your Airspace

When planning a Part 107 flight:

1. Check the sectional chart for the area
2. Look for surface-level controlled airspace (Class B solid blue, Class C solid magenta, Class D dashed blue, Class E surface dashed magenta)
3. If no surface-level controlled airspace is shown, you are likely in Class G
4. Always verify with current NOTAMs and check for TFRs
5. Use the B4UFLY app or LAANC-approved app to confirm