Lesson 9: Airspace 101 

Welcome back, future pilot! The sky is not just a free-for-all. Today, we’ll talk about how it’s organized, especially for airplanes.

Now that we’ve explored the rules for flying in the last chapter, let's zoom out and take a look at the big picture: the sky itself!

Welcome to Airspace 101!

Everything above the ground is considered airspace.

And it’s divided into different sections, almost like invisible cities in the sky. Some can be big or small, and they all have their own rules.

That’s called airspace, and all pilots need to know about it so we know where we can and can’t legally fly, and fly safely.

In fact, the FAA has come up with a super cool system to make sure we use the sky safely and efficiently. It's called the National Airspace System.

The National Airspace System is this huge, invisible network of sky over the U.S. where all the planes, helicopters, and drones fly. It's like a giant 3D highway in the sky that covers everything from the ground up to outer space.

Today’s 🔑 Word!

The National Airspace System

The National Airspace System (NAS) divides the sky into different areas, called airspaces, to manage all the flying activity safely. Each airspace has its own rules!

The NAS helps keep all the flying vehicles organized so they don’t bump into each other. It sets rules for how high and where different types of aircraft can fly, and ensures that pilots know who to talk to for guidance and directions.

Just think of national airspace as a big, invisible bubble over a country that keeps all the flying activities safe and coordinated!

The National Airspace System makes sure millions of flights happen safely every year in the United States!

Now that we know about the NAS, let's dive into two important parts of it: Controlled Airspace and Uncontrolled Airspace!

These are areas where you can or can’t legally fly. This is extremely important for drone pilots to know about. So let’s talk about it!

Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace

In the United States, airspace can be controlled or uncontrolled.

What is Controlled Airspace?

Controlled Airspace is like the busy parts of the sky near big airports, where experts (called Air Traffic Controllers) are actively helping pilots keep their planes safe and guiding them as they takeoff and land within the area.

Controlled Airspace

Did you know that most of the busiest airports in the U.S. are inside of Controlled Airspace?

Why is Controlled Airspace Important?

It's super organized! Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) make sure everyone follows the rules and don’t bump into each other. Imagine a busy highway with traffic lights and police officers directing cars.

How Does It Work?

In Controlled Airspace, ATC talk directly to pilots. They help them take off, land, get directions, and keep a safe distance from other planes.

Where is Controlled Airspace Found?

Controlled Airspace is usually around big and medium-sized airports. It has lots of planes, and lots of rules for pilots.

Why is it called Controlled Airspace?

Controlled Airspace has Control Towers. That’s where the Air Traffic Control folks work, and directly control what pilots can do in that airspace, to help them stay safe.

Controlled Airspace: Recap

• Found near big and medium airports

• These airports have Control Towers

• Air Traffic Controllers are there

• It’s illegal for drone pilots to fly in them without special waivers.

Don’t  Forget:

Drone Pilots are not allowed to fly in Controlled Airspace! 😬

Obviously, that would be extremely dangerous. Drone pilots are only allowed to fly in Controlled Airspace if they have a waiver, which gives them special permission from The FAA.

It makes sense why controlled airspace is… so controlled! 😬 

You’d probably only want to fly in controlled airspace if you had a good and specific reason, like inspecting the airport, doing research, or using your drone as an emergency responder.

Did you know?

Controlled Airspace is divided into different classes, each with its own sizes and rules. These classes help organize the sky, and are usually found around big airports! Think of it like different levels on a video game, each with its own set of challenges and guides to help you navigate safely.

We’ll learn about them in the next lesson! But for now, let’s move on to Uncontrolled Airspace. Can you guess what it is?

While controlled airspace is busy and highly regulated, Uncontrolled Airspace is another type of airspace that is a bit more relaxed.

What is Uncontrolled Airspace?

Uncontrolled Airspace is found in quieter, less busy areas of the sky, where there are fewer rules, no working Control Towers, and no Air Traffic Controllers to help pilots out. Pilots usually talk to each other, or other operators, to stay safe.

Where is Uncontrolled Airspace Found?

Typically found in less busy areas, away from major airports, like small regional airports or rural areas where air traffic is light. Did you know that uncontrolled airspace often covers beautiful scenic areas where pilots can enjoy more relaxed flying?

How Does It Work?

Instead of talking to Air Traffic Controllers, pilots use a common radio frequency to talk to each other, announcing their positions and intentions to avoid collisions.

Why does it matter for Drone Pilots?

Uncontrolled airspace offers drone pilots more freedom to fly without super strict regulations. But it’s not a free-for-all! You still need to follow FAA rules, and the core limitations of flying.

Controlled Airspace vs. Uncontrolled Airspace Recap

Controlled Airspace:

• Busy parts of the sky near airports with strict rules and ATC

• Around large and medium airports

• Many rules to ensure safety and order

• Have working control towers

• Pilots talk to ATC

• Illegal for drone operations without waivers

Uncontrolled Airspace:

• Quieter parts of the sky with fewer rules and no ATC

• Small regional airports, rural areas

• Fewer rules, more flexibility for pilots

• Don’t have working control towers

• Pilots talk to each other

• Ideal for drone operations, no waiver needed

Air Traffic Controllers

I’m sure you’ve been wondering: what is an Air Traffic Controller? Let’s explore.

Air Traffic Controllers

It’s not just the pilot alone that makes all the magic happen! The pilot needs an entire team of people on the ground to collaborate with to make sure they’re safe – just like drone pilots do.

That’s where Air Traffic Controllers come in.

Simply put, Air Traffic Controllers control the traffic in the air! And, they do so much more than that.

Today’s 🔑 Word!

Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers are experts who work in control towers at airports to help guide airplanes safely through the sky and on the ground. We call them ATC for short!

They use radar, computers, and radios to monitor and directly talk to pilots, so they can give them directions to make sure all these planes don’t get too close to each other. All busy airports always have ATC in control towers actively talking to pilots.

ATC is needed more at bigger airports with a lot of air traffic than in smaller towns with less traffic. Most smaller airports don’t have ATC or Control Towers, so pilots have to follow different rules in them.

They’re a pilot’s best friend. They help them take off, land, move around the airport, give them directions, and navigate through busy airspace. They’re why it’s safe to fly!

Did you know that ATC has a special lingo that they use with pilots over the radio? They have their own alphabet, and love to shorten long phrases and sentences. They sound pretty cool!

If you’re ever bored, you can listen to Air Traffic Controllers talk to pilots in real-time, around the world, on this website! liveatc.net/topfeeds.php

Air Traffic Controllers

Air Traffic Controllers are there to help! They’re like guardian angels who hang out in towers at busy airports, there to help pilots by telling them life-saving information over the radio.

Not to get too far off-topic, but sometimes, being an ATC can be a pretty stressful job. There are a lot of videos of ATC arguing with pilots, specifically at JFK. It makes for good entertainment.

Towered vs. Non-Towered Airports

Let’s define our next key term: Towered versus Non-Towered airports.

Remember, Air Traffic Controllers work from Control Towers to manage air traffic on the ground and in the air. When we say an airport is “Towered,” it means that it has a Control Tower where ATC work.

A “Non-Towered” airport doesn’t have a Control Tower, and ATC don’t work there. In non-towered airports, pilots talk to each other instead of ATC to figure out who’s going where.

Towered Airport

Non-Towered Airport

There are so many Non-Towered airports in the U.S. Most small-town airports are Non-Towered. In fact, most airports in the U.S. are Non-Towered. So, ATC don’t work in a majority of airports. So, you may be wondering how ATC control the National Airspace System?

They’re able to control the National Airspace System because a majority of air traffic and flying happens around bigger airports. Also, ATC can still talk to and control pilots in Non-Towered airports if needed.

BREAK TIME

Breaking Down Sectional Charts

Pilots use maps called sectional charts to understand airspace and safely navigate. Now, let's look at these fascinating charts and learn how to read them!

Sectional Charts are incredibly detailed maps that show all the different types of airspace, ground features, and other important information pilots need to know when flying.

What are Sectional Charts?

Sectional Charts are special maps made for pilots to show all the different types of airspace, ground features, and other important information needed to fly safely.

Why do Pilots Use Sectional Charts?

These maps help pilots understand where they are, what kind of airspace they’re in, and what rules they need to follow. Think of it like a GPS for the sky!

Sectional Charts also show important landmarks, like cities, mountains, and rivers, which help pilots navigate visually.

How to Read Sectional Charts?

These charts are filled with symbols, lines, and colors that represent different things. It might look confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, it's like reading a treasure map!

Sectional Charts help pilots know:

• Where they are

• What type of airspace they’re in

• Important landmarks

We’ll practice reading Sectional Charts so you feel more confident!

Today’s 🔑 Word!

Sectional Charts

Why is This Important for Drone Pilots?

Sectional charts are super useful for drone pilots too. They help us understand where we can and can’t fly, and identify any obstacles or restricted areas.

Wrap Up + Homework

Now that you know the basics of airspace and sectional charts, you’re well on your way to becoming a more knowledgeable and safe pilot. Remember to review the key terms and practice reading sectional charts to get even more comfortable!

Homework: Review Sectional Charts

Read your FAA handbooks and sectional charts to get familiar with them.

Review the key terms from this lesson and start applying what you've learned about airspace to your future flights!

Get ready for the next lesson!

Next lesson, we’ll dive deeper into the different classes of controlled airspace and more tips on how to safely navigate them.

Thanks for flying with us today, future pilot!