12 exam-style questions · PHAK Ch. 15 / AIM Ch. 3

Airspace Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test

Q: What is the minimum equipment required to operate within the 30 NM Mode C veil surrounding a Class B airport?

A Mode C transponder with ADS-B Out capability. To operate within the 30 NM Mode C veil around a Class B airport, you must have an operating Mode C (or Mode S) transponder and ADS-B Out, as required by 14 CFR §91.215 and §91.225. ADS-B In and DME are not required.

Q: What are the lateral dimensions of the outer shelf of typical Class C airspace?

10 NM radius. The outer shelf of typical Class C airspace extends from a 5 NM to a 10 NM radius from the primary airport. (AIM 3-2-4)

Q: What VFR weather minimums are required for Class C airspace?

3 SM visibility, 500 ft below, 1,000 ft above, 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds. For Class C airspace, VFR minimums are 3 statute miles visibility and cloud clearances of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal, as specified in 14 CFR §91.155. These are the same as for Class D and E airspace below 10,000 feet MSL.

Q: A pilot intends to fly VFR into a Class D airspace. What is required prior to entry?

Establish two-way radio contact with the control tower. Before entering Class D airspace, a pilot must establish two-way radio communication with the control tower. This means the tower must acknowledge the pilot's call sign. A specific ATC clearance, flight plan, or Mode S transponder is not required. (AIM 3-2-5)

Q: What is a key identifying feature of Class C airspace on a sectional chart?

Solid magenta lines. Class C airspace is shown with solid magenta lines on sectional charts. Class B uses solid blue lines, Class D uses dashed blue lines, and Class E (surface) uses dashed magenta lines. (PHAK 15-8, Sectional Chart Legend)

Q: What are the VFR weather minimums for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL?

5 SM visibility, 1,000 below, 1,000 above, 1 SM horizontal from clouds. At or above 10,000 feet MSL in Class E airspace, VFR minimums are 5 statute miles visibility, 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontal from clouds, as specified in 14 CFR §91.155.

Q: Which statement is true about Special VFR operations?

Special VFR requires at least 1 SM visibility and clear of clouds. Special VFR requires at least 1 statute mile visibility and clear of clouds. Student pilots cannot request Special VFR at night, and Special VFR is not allowed in Class A airspace. (14 CFR §91.157)

Q: What is the upper vertical limit of Class D airspace under normal circumstances?

2,500 feet AGL. Class D airspace normally extends up to 2,500 feet above ground level (AGL), as specified in AIM 3-2-5.

Q: What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class B airspace?

3 statute miles. The minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class B airspace is 3 statute miles, and pilots must remain clear of clouds. This is specified in 14 CFR §91.155.

Q: When is a Mode C transponder NOT required?

When flying below 2,500 feet AGL above 10,000 feet MSL. According to 14 CFR §91.215, a Mode C transponder is not required for aircraft operating below 2,500 feet AGL, even if they are above 10,000 feet MSL. In all other listed situations, a Mode C transponder is required.

Airspace is one of the most heavily tested areas on the private pilot written exam — entry requirements, equipment, cloud clearances, and speed limits for every airspace class. Work through these exam-style questions and check your reasoning against each explanation.

0 of 12 answered

1.What is the minimum equipment required to operate within the 30 NM Mode C veil surrounding a Class B airport?

2.What are the lateral dimensions of the outer shelf of typical Class C airspace?

3.What VFR weather minimums are required for Class C airspace?

4.A pilot intends to fly VFR into a Class D airspace. What is required prior to entry?

5.What is a key identifying feature of Class C airspace on a sectional chart?

6.What are the VFR weather minimums for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL?

7.Which statement is true about Special VFR operations?

8.What is the upper vertical limit of Class D airspace under normal circumstances?

9.What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class B airspace?

10.When is a Mode C transponder NOT required?

11.A pilot plans to fly VFR at night in Class G airspace above 1,200 feet AGL and below 10,000 feet MSL. What weather minimums apply?

12.You are flying VFR in the surface area of a Class C airport and your radio fails before entry. What must you do?

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Airspace Practice Questionsfor the Private Pilot Written Test

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Airspace Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test