Airspace Practice Questions
for the Private Pilot Written Test
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.
1.What is the minimum equipment required to operate within the 30 NM Mode C veil surrounding a Class B airport?
Show Answer
A. 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.
2.What are the lateral dimensions of the outer shelf of typical Class C airspace?
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A. 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)
3.What VFR weather minimums are required for Class C airspace?
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A. 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.
4.A pilot intends to fly VFR into a Class D airspace. What is required prior to entry?
Show Answer
A. 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)
5.What is a key identifying feature of Class C airspace on a sectional chart?
Show Answer
A. 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)
6.What are the VFR weather minimums for Class E airspace at or above 10,000 feet MSL?
Show Answer
A. 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.
7.Which statement is true about Special VFR operations?
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A. 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)
8.What is the upper vertical limit of Class D airspace under normal circumstances?
Show Answer
A. 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.
9.What is the minimum visibility required for VFR flight in Class B airspace?
Show Answer
A. 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.
10.When is a Mode C transponder NOT required?
Show Answer
A. 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.
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?
Show Answer
A. 3 SM visibility, 500 below, 1,000 above, 2,000 horizontal from clouds
At night in Class G airspace above 1,200 feet AGL and below 10,000 feet MSL, the VFR weather minimums are 3 statute miles visibility, 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal from clouds, as specified in 14 CFR §91.155.
12.You are flying VFR in the surface area of a Class C airport and your radio fails before entry. What must you do?
Show Answer
A. Do not enter the airspace
Two-way radio communication is required prior to entering Class C airspace. If your radio fails before entry, you must not enter the airspace. (AIM 3-2-4)
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