Whether you fly drones for fun or profit, airspaces matter and specifically controlled airspace. Airspace is classified as A, B, C, D, E & G. If you fly drones, you need to know what they are and how they affect you.

If you want to fly your drone in controlled airspace (B, C, D, & some E) for fun, you do not need additional authorization, but you must call the control tower to let them know where you'll be flying. If you need to perform a job within controlled airspace, you must get permission via an Authorization or a Waiver from the FAA as a Part 107 card holder.

Getting your Part 107 license in order to fly your drone for profit is only half the battle. What do I mean? With your Part 107, you can fly in uncontrolled airspace for profit without further permission required from the FAA but you cannot fly for profit without the license.

Without question, the Airspace Section of the Part 107 test is one of the more heavily focused areas. You’ll be asked to look at a Sectional Chart (airspace map) and you’ll need to be able to recognize the various elements within. I’m not going to get into the nitty gritty of a sectional chart, but I will get into airspaces and why they matter.

At the moment, if you want to conduct any commercial drone operation in controlled airspace, you must fill out an online application with the FAA. Be warned, wait times are in the 12+ week range and the sooner you start your application process the better.

You might be asking yourself, “How will I know when I’m in one of these airspaces or how do I know what airspace I plan to fly in?” I do know that with DJI products, they alert you when you’re in controlled airspace. If you're in restricted airspaces (federal park, monuments, government buildings) you won’t even be able to take off. For planning purposes, I use Skyvector.com or the AirMap smartphone app. Both are free and these are my favorites as of this blog post.

In United States aviation, you have six airspaces consisting of classes A, B, C, D, E & G. There is no F airspace in the United States.

Airspace infographic courtesy of the FAA

Class A – Is generally airspace from 18,000’ MSL (Mean Sea Level) up to and including 60,000’ MSL. Your drone won’t be in this airspace.

Class B – This airspace is generally from the surface to 10,000’ MSL surrounding the busiest airports. Each Class B airspace area is individually tailored and consists of a surface area and two or more layers (think upside-down wedding cakes). This is a very common airspace to conduct operations in and you will need additional authorization from the FAA.

Class C – This airspace is usually from the surface to 4,000’ above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding smaller airports that have a functioning control tower. Each Class C airspace is individually tailored to each airport. The airspace typically consists of a five nautical mile (NM) radius surface area that extends from the surface up to 4,000’ AGL (Above Ground Level) and a 10 NM radius shelf area that extends no lower than 1,200’ up to 4,000’ AGL. This is a very common airspace to conduct operations in and you will need additional authorization from the FAA.

Class D – This airspace is typically from the surface up to 2,500’ above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) surrounding smaller airports that have a functioning control tower. Each Class D airspace is individually tailored to each airport. This is a very common airspace to conduct operations in and you will need additional authorization from the FAA.

Class E – Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, B, C, or D, and is controlled airspace it is Class E airspace. There are no specific pilot certification or equipment requirements to operate in Class E airspace. Class E airspace can start at 700’ AGL or 1200’ AGL. You do not need special permission to operate your drone in this airspace unless you’re inside the Class E airspace that extends to the surface. On a sectional chart, you will know if this is the type of class E that extends to the surface if the area is surrounded by a dashed magenta line.

Class G – Class G airspace is typically the airspace very near the ground (1,200 feet or less), beneath class E airspace and between class B-D cylinders around towered airstrips. It includes all airspace below 14,500’ MSL not otherwise classified as controlled. So airspace not labeled B, C, D, or E. There are no entry or clearance requirements for class G airspace. You do not need special permission to operate your drone in this airspace.

Now that you know the very basics of airspaces, you can take this knowledge into your Part 107 test, application with the FAA or when you want to fly for the fun of it. In the next blog, I'll be going over how to apply for an airspace authorization or waiver for commercial work.