Class C Airspace
The two-ring airspace around medium-traffic airports — establish two-way radio, and know the equipment you need.
Key Takeaways
- Class C surrounds airports with a control tower, radar approach control, and moderate airline/traffic volume.
- It is a two-ring shape: a 5 NM inner core from the surface up, and a 10 NM outer shelf from 1,200 to 4,000 ft AGL.
- You do not need a clearance — you must establish two-way radio communication (once the controller uses your call sign, you may enter).
- Required equipment: two-way radio, Mode C transponder, and ADS-B Out (within and above the Class C, up to 10,000 ft MSL).
- VFR minimums are the standard 3-152: 3 SM visibility, 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds.
What Is Class Charlie?
Class C (“Charlie”) airspace wraps around busy-but-not-Bravo airports — fields with an operating control tower, a radar approach control, and a mix of airline and general-aviation traffic. It gives ATC radar separation between IFR aircraft and sequencing for VFR traffic without the full clearance requirement of Class B.
The magic words are different from Class B. You do not need to be “cleared in” — you need to establish two-way radio communication. The moment the controller reads back your call sign (“Cessna 12345, standby”), you are cleared to enter. If they instead say “aircraft calling, remain outside Class Charlie,” you must stay out until told otherwise.
Class Charlie at a Glance
Class Charlie VFR Weather Minimums
3 statute miles
500 ft below · 1,000 ft above · 2,000 ft horizontal ("3-152")
These come from 14 CFR 91.155. See how Class Charlie compares to every other class in the full VFR weather minimums table.
See Class Charlie on a live chart
FlightKit’s interactive sectional shows Class Charlie boundaries, floors, and ceilings on the real chart — and the airspace module pairs the FAA diagram with quizzes so it sticks before your checkride.
The Other Airspace Classes
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to enter Class C airspace?
You must establish two-way radio communication with the Class C facility before entering — no specific clearance is required. Once the controller responds using your call sign, you are cleared to enter. You also need a Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out. There is no minimum pilot certificate beyond a student pilot.
What are the VFR weather minimums for Class C?
Class C uses the standard "3-152" minimums: 3 statute miles of visibility, and you must stay 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.
How is entering Class C different from Class B?
Class B requires an explicit clearance ("cleared into the Class Bravo"). Class C only requires that you establish two-way radio communication — once the controller uses your call sign, you may enter. It is a lower bar, but you still must be talking to ATC before you cross the boundary.
What is the speed limit in Class C?
When at or below 2,500 feet above the surface within 4 nautical miles of the primary Class C airport, the limit is 200 KIAS. Elsewhere the general 250 KIAS below 10,000 ft MSL applies.