Are you thinking of flying your drone near a major airport? Then you need to understand Class B airspace.
Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports in the country. It’s where high-speed aircraft operate in a structured, tightly controlled environment. Flying in this airspace requires coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and strict adherence to regulations.
I know it does sound intimidating especially if you are a new drone pilot.
However, with the right knowledge, you can navigate this airspace safely and legally.
This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about Class B airspace, from airspace structure to flying rules, requirements, and navigation tips.
Let’s get started!
What is Class B Airspace?
Class Bravo or Class B Airscape is highly controlled airspace in the U.S. It constitutes some of the busiest airports in the country, such as Los Angeles International (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL).
Class B airspace is designed to move high-speed commercial jets and planes safely. Making it one of the most restricted and strictly regulated airspace for drone pilots.
Let’s understand its structure.
Structure of Class Bravo Airspace
Class B airspace is not just busy, it is massive. It has a unique layered structure that helps in managing different types of aircraft and air traffic efficiently.
Unlike Class D airspace, which is shaped like a simple cylinder, Class Bravo airspace is designed in layers. It resembles an upside-down wedding cake. This tiered structure helps separate aircraft based on altitude and flight paths.
The central core part covers the primary airport area and extends from the surface up to the ceiling, with two or more layers of additional shelves for arrival and departure routes.
As you move toward the outward layers, each shelf’s base altitude or floor area increases.
Breaking Down the Layers of Class B Airspace
Remember, Class B airspace has ‘no standard’ structure or shape.
Each airport has a unique structure, designed to meet the specific needs of the airport and its surrounding areas. Here’s a general breakdown of its structure:
1. Core area: It is the innermost layer, covering the area directly around the airport.
It extends from the ground up to a set altitude of 10,000 feet MSL (mean sea level), with a 10 NM (nautical miles) radius.
2. Middle shelves or layers: The middle layers expand outward as altitude increases. It typically begins at an altitude of 1,500 feet from surface area, and goes up to 10,000 feet MSL, covering a 10 to 20 NM radius from the airport.
Usually, aircraft use these layers to ascend or descend while approaching or departing from the airport.
3. Outer shelf: The final layer expands out to a 30 NM radius from the primary airport and begins at an altitude of 7,000 feet from surface area to 10,000 feet MSL.
By this point, drone pilots need not to even worry, because drones are limited to flying only up to 400 feet AGL (above the ground).
This means, if you’ll be flying your drone close to a Class B airspace airport, then mostly you’ll be flying in the core area—which is also the busiest layer of the Class B airspace.
Now that you have a foundational understanding of Class B airspace structure, it will be easier for you to identify it on a sectional chart.
How to Identify Class Bravo Airspace on Charts
Class B airspace is represented using solid blue lines on a Terminal Area Chart (TAC), similar to sectional charts.
While sectional charts provide a broad overview, TACs give you a detailed view of Class B and Class C airspace, helping you navigate complex airspace structures.
The smallest circle in the center marks the core airport area, while the larger circles indicate the middle and outer layers of shelves.
Inside the central core, there’s a strange fraction with 100 on top and SFC at the bottom (100/SFC). However, this is not a fraction, these are labels representing the floor and the ceiling altitudes of each airspace segment.
- The top number (100) represents the ceiling, meaning the airspace extends up to 10,000 feet MSL.
- The bottom part (SFC) represents the floor, meaning the airspace starts at the surface level.
- And, if there is a number at the bottom part (40), this means the airspace starts at 4,000 feet MSL.
The further you get from the central core, you’ll see different expanding circles, each with its own floor and ceiling fraction labels. These changing labels represent the different layers of the upside-down wedding cake.
Sometimes, you’ll see a + sign preceding the lower number (70/+50), this means the airspace floor starts above the altitude shown on the chart.
Lastly, you must be extra cautious about the magenta circle around the Class B airspace, also known as the edge of Mode C Veil.
It’s a 30 NM (nautical-mile) area around the airport, and all manned aircraft in this area have an operating Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out equipment because it indicates an area of high air traffic density around Class B airports.
Let’s explore the requirements now.
Class B Airspace Requirements for Drone Pilots
To fly a drone in Class B airspace, you must meet the following requirements:
1. FAA Authorization
You cannot fly drones in Class B airspace without FAA approval.
The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system allows quick approvals for drone flights in certain areas of Class B airspace.
If LAANC is available in your area, you can request a near real-time authorization using apps like AirMap, Kittyhawk, UASidekick, or Airhub Portal.
In case LAANC is not available in your area, go for a manual request through the FAA DroneZone.
Tip: Manual FAA approvals can take several days or weeks to get approved, so plan your application in advance.
2. Pilot Certification
To fly drones for commercial projects, you must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA.
Whereas, if you are flying a drone just for recreational purposes, certification is not required.
3. Air Traffic Control Clearance
Some Class B airspace require ATC clearance, because it’s a tightly controlled airspace with high-density air traffic, and ATC ensures safe separation of traffic.
Key Rules for Flying in Class Bravo Airspace
Here are the two rules you have to consider while flying a drone in the Class Bravo Airspace:
1. Class Bravo Airspace VFR Weather Minimums
Visual Flight Rules (VFR) is a set of weather condition regulations set by the FAA. These rules help aircraft and drone pilots to maintain proper visibility while flying to avoid mid-air collisions.
To fly per VFR in Class Bravo airspace you must have at least:
- Visibility: 3 SM (statute miles) of visibility
- Cloud Clearance: Remain clear of clouds (no specific distance required from clouds)
Tip: Always check real-time weather conditions before flying inside or near Class B airspace.
2. Class Bravo Airspace Speed Limits
Class Bravo airspace has some strict speed limits to prevent collisions and buy more time for aircraft pilots to maneuver safely in a congested area.
The maximum speed inside Class B airspace is 250 Knots. This applies to all the altitudes, when inside Class B.
Whereas, if flying under the shelves of Class B airspace or VFR corridors, the maximum speed in these areas is 200 knots. This limit helps aircraft safely transition in and out of Class B airspace.
How to Navigate Class B Airspace as a Drone Pilot
Navigating Class B airspace as a drone pilot is all about situational awareness. Here are some tips to navigate through this airspace safely:
- Always fly in your approved zone, and within drone flying altitude limits (under 400 feet AGL).
- Use drone flight applications like AirMap to monitor real-time air traffic and alerts.
- Stay alert and keep an eye out for manned aircraft. You can use apps like FlightAware or listen to ATC frequencies to track nearby aircraft.
- Always be prepared for an emergency. Make sure you have an emergency landing spot, in case something unexpected happens.
If you already have an ATC clearance, radio communication with ATC is not mandatory for drone pilots during the flight.
However, you need to stay connected and be ready to communicate with ATC if required.
If ATC gives an instruction such as, to move away from a path or land immediately—then you must comply without any delays.
Conclusion
Whether you are an experienced commercial drone pilot or a beginner recreational flyer, Class B airspace can feel quite intimidating and complex at first.
By knowing the airspace structure, flying requirements, and operational procedures, you can confidently plan and execute your drone flights in the Class Bravo airspace.
Interested in learning more about airspace?
Check out our drone pilot training programs here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you fly a drone under Class Bravo airspace?
If you’re outside the horizontal boundaries of Class Bravo airspace, you do not need special authorization.
Even if Class Bravo airspace extends above your flight area, as long as you’re not within its controlled layers, you can fly under it without restrictions (up to 400 feet AGL).
But if you are inside the Class B boundary (even close to the surface), you must get FAA authorization and ATC clearance before flying.
2. What are Class Bravo airspace requirements?
To fly a drone in Class Bravo airspace, you must:
- Obtain an FAA authorization via LAANC or FAA Drone Zone.
- Hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification
- Get an ATC clearance if required
- Comply with altitude restrictions
- Avoid take-off and landing paths of aircraft
3. How many Class B airspaces are there in the US?
There are a total of 37 Class B airspaces in the United States. Some of the busiest Class B airspace airports include:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
4. How can I get drone flight authorization in a zero-grid Class B airspace?
A zero grid is an area in the controlled airspace that has the highest level of restrictions. Meaning, online LAANC approval might not be available for these areas. However, you can still apply for a manual FAA authorization via DroneZone.
5. What is the fastest way to get manual authorization to fly a drone in restricted Class B airspace?
The fastest way to get manual authorization to fly a drone in restricted Class B airspace is to:
- Submit a request via FAA DroneZone as early as possible, because approvals can take days or even weeks.
- Provide all necessary documents upfront (e.g., Remote Pilot Certificate, flight plan, reason for flying).
- Contact your nearest, local Air Control Traffic (ATC) tower to get clearance.
In case this manual process gets delayed, try to consistently follow up with the FAA and ATC to expedite the process.
Or, look for other alternative flight locations, which are less restrictive than Class B airspace.
0
Add Your Comment