This airspace reference guide covers every FAA airspace classification relevant to Part 107 drone operations — from Class A through Class G, special use airspace, temporary flight restrictions, and LAANC authorization. Whether you are preparing for the Part 107 knowledge exam or looking up a specific airspace requirement before a flight, this reference gives you the information in a format optimized for field use.
A comprehensive guide to navigating U.S. airspace for Part 107 remote pilots.
Quick Decision Chart
Before every flight, ask:
- Are there any TFRs? → Check B4UFLY app or tfr.faa.gov
- What color are the airspace lines on the chart?
- No lines (Class G) → No authorization needed
- Blue lines (B or D) → Authorization required
- Magenta lines (C or E) → Authorization may be required
- Am I below 400 ft AGL? → Required for Part 107
- Can I see my aircraft? → VLOS required
- Weather good? → 3 SM visibility, clear of clouds
If all checks pass → You can fly!
Airspace Classes
Class A Airspace
NOT ACCESSIBLE TO DRONES
- Altitude: 18,000 ft MSL to FL600
- Authorization: Not available
- Chart Symbol: Not depicted on sectional charts
All Class A operations require IFR clearance. Completely off-limits for Part 107.
Class B Airspace
AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED
- Altitude: Surface to ~10,000 ft MSL (varies)
- Chart Symbol: Solid blue lines
- Shape: Upside-down wedding cake (multiple shelves)
- Authorization: ATC required (LAANC or manual)
Characteristics:
- Surrounds 30+ busiest U.S. airports (ATL, LAX, ORD, DFW, etc.)
- Multiple altitude layers with different ceilings
- Numbers show altitude in hundreds of feet (e.g., “80/SFC” = surface to 8,000 ft MSL)
Common Examples:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL)
- Los Angeles International (LAX)
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
Class C Airspace
AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED
- Altitude: Surface to ~4,000 ft AGL
- Chart Symbol: Solid magenta lines
- Shape: Two-layer cylinder
- Authorization: ATC required (LAANC available)
Structure:
- Inner shelf: Surface to 4,000 ft AGL
- Outer shelf: 1,200 ft AGL to 4,000 ft AGL
- Radius typically 5/10 nautical miles
Surrounds busy airports with IFR operations and passenger service.
Class D Airspace
AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED (When Tower Operating)
- Altitude: Surface to ~2,500 ft AGL
- Chart Symbol: Dashed blue lines
- Shape: Cylinder
- Authorization: ATC required when tower is operating
Critical Detail: Only exists when control tower is operational. When tower closes:
- Reverts to Class E or G airspace
- Check Chart Supplement for tower operating hours
- Typically 4 NM radius from airport
Class E Airspace
AUTHORIZATION MAY BE REQUIRED
- Altitude: Various (700 ft, 1,200 ft, or surface)
- Chart Symbol: Magenta or blue dashed/shaded lines
- Authorization: Check LAANC availability
Three Types:
Surface Area (Class E to Surface)
- Dashed magenta line around airports
- Non-towered airports with instrument approaches
- Authorization may be required
700 ft AGL Transition
- Magenta shading/vignette on chart
- Most common around airports
- Controlled airspace starts at 700 ft AGL
1,200 ft AGL (Default)
- No specific chart marking
- Everything not otherwise classified
- Extends upward from 1,200 ft AGL
Class G Airspace
NO AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED
- Altitude: Surface to base of overlying airspace
- Chart Symbol: No marking (absence of other classes)
- Authorization: None needed
Part 107 Rules Still Apply:
- 400 ft AGL maximum
- 3 statute miles visibility
- Clear of clouds
- Daylight operations (or anti-collision lighting at night)
Most common below 1,200 ft AGL in rural areas.
Special Use Airspace
Prohibited Areas (P-XX)
STRICTLY FORBIDDEN
- Chart: Blue hatching with “P-XX” designation
- Entry absolutely not allowed
- Examples: White House (P-56), Camp David
Penalties for violation: Civil fines, possible criminal charges
Restricted Areas (R-XX)
PERMISSION REQUIRED
- Chart: Blue hatching with “R-XX” designation
- Military operations, artillery, hazardous activities
- Check Chart Supplement for:
- Operating hours/days
- Controlling agency contact
- Altitude limits
Some restricted areas have specific hours—may be accessible when not active.
Warning Areas (W-XX)
CAUTION ADVISED
- Chart: Blue hatching with “W-XX”
- Located over water (beyond 3 NM from coast)
- Entry not legally restricted but hazardous activity present
- Expect military training, weapons testing
Military Operations Areas (MOA)
HIGH MILITARY ACTIVITY
- Chart: Magenta hatching
- High-speed military aircraft training
- Not restricted but exercise caution
- Check NOTAMs for activation times
Alert Areas (A-XX)
ℹ High Traffic Volume
- Chart: Magenta hatching with “A-XX”
- High pilot training or unusual activity
- Entry not restricted
- Maintain heightened awareness
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs)
Check Before EVERY Flight!
Common TFR Types:
- Presidential Movement - 30 NM radius, strictly enforced
- Sporting Events - Stadium TFRs, typically 3 NM/3,000 ft
- Disaster Areas - Forest fires, hurricanes, search & rescue
- Special Events - Air shows, rocket launches
- National Security - Various locations
Where to Check:
- B4UFLY app (FAA official app)
- tfr.faa.gov (FAA TFR website)
- 1-800-WX-BRIEF (Flight Service)
Penalties:
- Civil penalties up to $30,000
- Certificate suspension/revocation
- Criminal penalties for security TFRs
- Possible aircraft seizure
When in doubt, don’t fly!
Authorization Methods
LAANC (Recommended)
Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability
- Speed: Near real-time (seconds to minutes)
- Availability: Most controlled airspace up to 400 ft
- Cost: Free or small fee
- Apps: Aloft, AirMap, Kittyhawk, Airspace Link
How it works:
- Open LAANC app
- Enter location and altitude
- Receive instant approval (if in grid)
- Fly authorized operation
Manual Authorization
For areas without LAANC
- Speed: 90+ days processing
- Portal: FAA DroneZone
- Cost: Free
- Use when: LAANC unavailable or requesting >400 ft
Reading Sectional Charts
Airspace Colors Quick Reference:
| Color | Airspace | Authorization |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Blue | Class B | Required |
| Dashed Blue | Class D | Required (tower hours) |
| Solid Magenta | Class C | Required |
| Dashed Magenta | Class E Surface | May be required |
| Magenta Shading | Class E 700 ft | May be required |
| No Color | Class G | None needed |
Key Symbols:
- Numbers in boxes: Altitude limits (hundreds of feet)
- “80/SFC”: Surface to 8,000 ft MSL
- “50”: Up to 5,000 ft MSL
- MEF (Maximum Elevation Figure): Highest terrain/obstacle in quadrant
Emergency Contacts
Airspace Questions:
- Local ATC facility (look up on sectional chart)
- Flight Service: 1-800-WX-BRIEF
TFR Information:
- FAA TFR website: tfr.faa.gov
- Flight Service: 1-800-WX-BRIEF
UAS Support:
- FAA UAS Email: [email protected]
- FAA DroneZone: faadronezone.faa.gov
Pre-Flight Airspace Checklist
Checked for active TFRs
Identified airspace class at location
Obtained authorization if required
Verified tower operating hours (Class D)
Checked NOTAM for special restrictions
Confirmed altitude below 400 ft AGL
Downloaded LAANC authorization (if used)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming Class G everywhere - Always check charts
Flying in Class D after tower closes - Still need to check resulting class
Ignoring TFRs - Check every single flight
Not getting authorization - “I didn’t know” is not a defense
Flying above 400 ft AGL - Even in Class G
Relying on old information - Airspace and TFRs change frequently
Resources
Official FAA:
Third-Party Tools:
- Aloft (LAANC provider)
- AirMap (LAANC provider)
- SkyVector (Free sectional charts)
Download Printable PDF Version
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Updated February 2025 | Based on current FAA airspace regulations