Outline:

Introduction

Aeronautical charts are the primary tools pilots use to understand airspace, terrain, obstacles, and operating rules. Being able to read a chart correctly is not just a knowledge requirement—it is a safety skill. Pilots must identify airspace boundaries, altitude limits, entry requirements, and cloud clearance rules quickly and accurately.

This session breaks down how to read sectional charts and identify airspace using simple visual cues. It also explains airspace rules, weather minimums, speed limits, ADS-B requirements, and special use airspace in a structured and teachable way. The goal is to help pilots move from memorization to understanding, which improves real-world decision-making. How to Read Charts and Airspace

1. Teaching Airspace: The Big Picture

   Summary: Airspace can be divided into controlled and uncontrolled categories. Each type has specific rules for entry, communication, weather minimums, and equipment. Pilots must first understand the categories before learning the details.

   • Airspace is divided into controlled and uncontrolled types. (Page 5) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • Controlled airspace includes Classes A, B, C, D, and E.

   • Uncontrolled airspace is Class G.

   • Each class has different requirements for communication, clearance, and equipment.

   • Sectional charts show airspace boundaries using color, line type, and altitude labels.

   Understanding this structure helps pilots organize airspace rules logically instead of memorizing them randomly.

   
   

2. The Five Airspace Weather Memory Items

   Summary: There are only five cloud clearance and visibility combinations that pilots need to memorize. These cover all airspace and altitude scenarios encountered in VFR flight.

   • 1 statute mile, clear of clouds

   • 3 statute miles, clear of clouds

   • 1 SM – 1,000 above, 500 below, 2,000 laterally

   • 3 SM – 1,000 above, 500 below, 2,000 laterally

   • 5 SM – 1,000 above, 1,000 below, 1 SM laterally (Page 4) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   These five rules apply across all airspace types and altitudes. Teaching them as patterns makes them easier to recall during flight planning and checkrides.

   
   

3. Using the Sectional Chart Legend

   Summary: The sectional chart legend explains how airspace is drawn and labeled. Pilots must know how to use the legend to identify airspace floors, ceilings, and boundaries.

   • The legend applies whether using paper charts, SkyVector, or ForeFlight. (Page 6) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • Solid and dashed lines indicate different airspace classes.

   • Numbers inside or near airspace show altitudes in hundreds of feet MSL.

   • A minus sign means “up to but not including” that altitude.

   • Shaded areas and vignettes indicate Class E and Class G transitions.

   The legend acts as the key to translating chart symbols into operating rules.

   
   

4. Identifying Class A Airspace

   Summary: Class A airspace is the highest and most restrictive controlled airspace. It is not shown on sectional charts because it covers the entire United States at high altitude.

   • Class A airspace begins at 18,000 feet MSL. (Page 7) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • It extends up to FL600.

   • IFR flight only is permitted.

   • An instrument rating and IFR-equipped aircraft are required.

   • VFR flight is not allowed in Class A.

   Pilots must know where Class A begins, even though it is not drawn on sectionals.

   
   

5. Identifying Class B Airspace

   Summary: Class B airspace surrounds the nation’s busiest airports. It is designed to protect high-density traffic and requires strict entry rules.

   • Depicted with solid blue lines on sectional charts. (Page 8) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • Shown in layers or “segments” with altitudes in hundreds of feet MSL.

   • Usually extends up to 10,000 feet MSL.

   • Requires ATC clearance to enter.

   • Two-way radio communication and a transponder are required.

   Class B airspace is often described as an “upside-down wedding cake” due to its layered design.

   
   

6. Identifying Class C Airspace

   Summary: Class C airspace protects airports with moderate traffic levels. It is easier to enter than Class B but still requires communication with ATC.

   • Depicted with solid magenta lines. (Page 9) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • Consists of two rings:

     • Inner core: surface to 4,000 feet MSL

     • Outer shelf: 1,200 AGL to 4,000 MSL (Page 10)

   • Two-way radio communication is required prior to entry.

   • ATC clearance is not required, only communication.

   Understanding the two-ring structure helps pilots avoid accidental violations.

   
   

7. Identifying Class D Airspace

   Summary: Class D airspace surrounds towered airports that are not busy enough for Class B or C. The rules are simpler, but communication is still required.

   • Depicted with dashed cyan lines. (Page 11) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • Typically extends 4 NM from the airport.

   • Vertical limits usually go from the surface to 2,500 feet MSL.

   • Two-way radio communication is required prior to entry.

   • The ceiling is shown in hundreds of feet inside a box.

   Class D airspace is active only when the control tower is operating.

   
   

8. Identifying Class E Airspace

   Summary: Class E airspace fills the gaps between controlled and uncontrolled airspace. It can start at the surface or at various altitudes.

   • Class E may start at the surface, shown by dashed magenta lines. (Page 12) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • It may start at a specified altitude, shown inside a dashed line. (Page 13)

   • Magenta vignette indicates Class E starting at 700 AGL. (Page 14)

   • Cyan vignette indicates Class E starting at 1,200 AGL or higher. (Pages 15–16)

   • Above Class E is Class A; below may be Class G.

   Pilots must read vignettes carefully to determine cloud clearance rules.

   
   

9. Identifying Class G Airspace

   Summary: Class G airspace is uncontrolled and exists where Class E does not reach the surface.

   • Found below Class E. (Page 18) How to Read Charts and Airspace

   • Has different weather minimums for day and night.

   • Does not require ATC communication or clearance.

   • Pilots must still follow visibility and cloud clearance rules.

   • Often found near rural or remote airports.

   Class G is simple, but weather minimums change based on altitude and time of day.

   
   

10. Cloud Clearance and Visibility Requirements

    Summary: Cloud clearance and visibility requirements depend on airspace class and altitude. Pilots must know how these change above and below 10,000 feet MSL.

    • Class C and D require 3 SM visibility and 1,000 above, 500 below, 2,000 laterally. (Pages 21–22) How to Read Charts and Airspace

    • Class E above 10,000 MSL requires 5 SM visibility. (Page 23)

    • Class G rules differ by altitude and day/night conditions. (Page 24)

    • Special night exceptions exist near traffic patterns.

    • These rules are commonly tested on checkrides.

    Visual diagrams help pilots understand these distances spatially instead of memorizing numbers alone.