Aviation Education

Class G Airspace

UNCONTROLLED AIRSPACE

Class G Airspace the only uncontrolled airspace. Although ATC has no authority or responsibility to control air traffic, pilots should remember there are visual flight rule (VFR) minimums that apply to Class G airspace. No formal separation services are provided, so it is the responsibility of the pilot to see and avoid other aircrafts.

Dimensions

Class G Airspace is the portion of airspace that has not been designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E. Think of Class G as being a filler. It fills in all the gaps in airspace that have not been designated as any of the previously mentioned controlled airspaces. Class G is considered to be an uncontrolled airspace, meaning that ATC does not have any jurisdictions.

Operating Rules and Pilot/Equipment Requirements

To fly in Class G airspace, you will need a minimum of a student pilot certificate. When flying into an airport in Class G airspace, communications should be established prior to 4 NM from the airport, up to and including 2,500' AGL. There is no formal separation is provided, so each pilot is responsible to “see and avoid” other traffic. Remember to follow any noice abatement procedures, which can be found in the airport page under airport remarks as NS ABTMT.

Speed Limit

250 knots below 10,000 MSL

Weather Minimums

See VFR Weather Minimums

Chart Depiction

Class G will not be depicted on the charts. As we said before, it is sort of a "filler airspace". So how do we know where it is, if it's not depicted? That's easy, just look at the VFR sectional and find all the depicted airspaces, Class G will be everything else.