Module 3: Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
Every square mile of airspace over the United States falls into one of six classes, each with different rules for who can fly there and what permission is needed first. This module works through every class from A to G, then covers special use airspace, military training areas, temporary flight restrictions, and the two ways a Part 107 pilot actually gets permission to fly in controlled airspace ? LAANC and FAA DroneZone.
Learning outcomes
- Identify all six airspace classes (A, B, C, D, E, G) and their defining characteristics.
- State which airspace classes require prior ATC authorization for a Part 107 flight under 14 CFR 107.41, and which do not.
- Explain the altitude and lateral dimensions typically associated with Class B, C, and D airspace.
- Distinguish Class E airspace with a surface area designated for an airport from other Class E airspace that does not require authorization.
- Identify special use airspace types ? restricted, prohibited, warning areas ? and explain how they differ from Military Operations Areas and Alert Areas.
- Explain temporary flight restrictions under 14 CFR 107.47, including stadium, VIP, and wildfire/disaster TFRs.
- Use LAANC to request near-real-time airspace authorization and understand how UAS Facility Maps set maximum authorized altitudes.
- Explain when a manual FAA DroneZone request is needed instead of LAANC.
The twelve lessons in this module are sequenced to build from the general structure of the National Airspace System down to the specific mechanics of getting permission to fly in it. Lessons A through G work through the airspace classes themselves, starting with a system-wide overview and then moving class by class from the highest and most restrictive (Class A) down through the busiest controlled airspace around major airports (Class B, C, D), the more common general controlled airspace (Class E), and finally uncontrolled airspace (Class G), where the least authorization burden exists.
Lessons H and I cover special use and military airspace ? restricted, prohibited, and warning areas, plus Military Operations Areas and Alert Areas ? airspace types defined by activity rather than proximity to an airport. Lesson J covers temporary flight restrictions, the time-limited airspace closures that can appear anywhere with little notice. The module closes with Lessons K and L, the two practical systems ? LAANC and FAA DroneZone ? a remote pilot actually uses to request the authorization required under 14 CFR 107.41 before flying in controlled airspace.
This module maps to ACS Area of Operation II: Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements, Tasks II.A (Airspace Classification) and II.B (Airspace Operational Requirements). Module 4 immediately following builds on this material with the chart-reading skills needed to identify these airspace classes on a real sectional chart.
The big-picture structure of controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
The high-altitude IFR-only layer, and why it's effectively irrelevant to sUAS flight.
The inverted-wedding-cake airspace around the nation's busiest airports.
The two-tier airspace around airports with radar approach control.
The cylinder airspace around towered airports without radar approach control.
The most common controlled airspace, and when it actually needs authorization.
Where most everyday Part 107 flights actually happen.
Activity-defined airspace with hazards ranging from artillery fire to national security.
Nonregulatory airspace requiring extra vigilance, not outright avoidance.
Stadium, VIP, and wildfire TFRs ? and why drones are especially dangerous near wildfires.
Near-real-time authorization using UAS Facility Maps.
The manual request process for when LAANC isn't available or sufficient.