Class E Airspace Description
Class E is controlled airspace, however there is no requirement to call air traffic control or obtain a clearance to enter Class E under visual flight rules. For VFR flight, the main difference between Class E and Glass G airspace (uncontrolled airspace), are higher visibility and cloud clearance requirements for VFR flight into Class E. For this reason, Class E airspace is often referred to as "weather controlled" airspace.
Class E airspace exists in a number of places:
The airspace from 14,500 MSL up to 18,000 MSL across the continental United States and coastal waters out to 12 nautical miles is all Class E. This lower limit of 14,500 MSL is extended downward to 1,200 AGL across widespread areas of the United States, based on radar coverage.
In order to protect instrument traffic conducting approaches in marginal weather conditions, Class E airspace is often further extended down to 700 feet AGL, or even all the way to the surface. These 700 feet AGL or surface areas are usually customized to encompass portions of specific instrument approaches at an airport and are depicted on aeronautical charts.
Class E airspace is also designated along federal airways, called victor airways. Victor airways are normally eight miles wide, four miles to either side of the airway's centerline, and extend from 1,200 feet AGL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL.
Class E Airspace Communications and Equipment Requirements
There are no specific airplane equipment requirements to enter Class E airspace, and pilots are not required to establish communications with any air traffic control facilities. The exception is the rare case of a towered airport in Class E airspace. While the vast majority of towered airports are designated Class D, C, or B airspace, it is possible for an airport in Class E airspace to be towered. As you can see in 91.127(c) below, if a control tower is present and operational, you must establish radio communications prior to 4 nm from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL. Notice this area is identical to the typical size of a Class D airspace area.
Class G Airspace
Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace. It is all airspace that is not designated as Class A, B, C, D, or E. Although Class G airspace is uncontrolled, federal aviation regulations still apply.
Class G Airspace Communications and Equipment Requirements
Similarly to Class E, there are no specific airplane equipment requirements to operate in Class G airspace, and pilots are not required to establish communications with any air traffic control facilities. The exception is the rare case of a towered airport in Class G airspace.
While the vast majority of towered airports are designated Class D, C, or B airspace, it is possible for an airport in Class G airspace to be towered. As you can see in 91.126(d) below, if a control tower is present and operational, you must establish radio communications prior to 4 nm from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL. Again, notice this area is identical to the typical size of a Class D airspace area.
§ 91.127 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class E airspace.
§ 91.126 Operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in Class G airspace.