Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
FAA Part 107 study guide with diagrams — part of the Sky107 UAG knowledge test preparation course.
Quick answer
Part 107 remote pilots may fly in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace without authorization. Operating inside Class B, C, or D airspace — or within the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport — requires prior ATC authorization under 14 CFR §107.41, obtained through LAANC or the FAA DroneZone portal.
Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements
Chapter Overview
This chapter covers the airspace environment in which remote pilots operate and the regulatory limitations that govern small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) under 14 CFR Part 107. Successful mastery of this material requires understanding the structure and classification of the National Airspace System (NAS), the requirement to obtain air traffic control authorization when operating in controlled airspace, the operating limitations imposed by Part 107, including altitude, speed, weather, and right-of-way rules, and the special procedures required for operations near structures, at night, and around temporary flight restrictions. Remote pilots must be able to interpret aeronautical charts to identify the classification of airspace at a planned operating location, determine whether authorization is required, and recognize the boundaries and active times of that airspace. This chapter integrates the visual chart-reading skills of a pilot with the procedural knowledge of Part 107 operating rules, emphasizing both safety and regulatory compliance.
Airspace Classification and Chart Depiction
The National Airspace System is divided into classes of airspace, each with distinct operating requirements and chart depictions. A remote pilot must be able to identify the type of airspace at the intended flight location before beginning operations.
Class B Airspace
Class B airspace surrounds the nation's busiest airports and is designed to contain all published instrument procedures. It is depicted on sectional charts with solid blue lines. The airspace typically resembles an upside-down wedding cake, with multiple shelves extending outward and upward from the surface area around the primary airport. Operations within Class B airspace are strictly regulated for all aircraft, and small UAS operations require prior ATC authorization.
Class C Airspace
Class C airspace surrounds airports with a moderate level of commercial air carrier and instrument traffic. It is depicted on sectional charts with dashed blue lines. Class C airspace generally consists of a surface area of a 5-nautical-mile radius and a shelf area extending to a 10-nautical-mile radius at altitudes from 1,200 to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation. A remote pilot must obtain ATC authorization before operating a small UAS within the lateral boundaries of Class C airspace, regardless of planned altitude.
Class D Airspace
Class D airspace surrounds airports with an operational control tower but is generally smaller and less complex than Class B or C airspace. It is depicted on sectional charts with dashed magenta lines. Class D airspace typically extends from the surface to a designated altitude, often 2,500 feet above the airport surface. On some charts, a segmented dashed magenta or blue circle indicates Class D airspace when the airspace does not extend to the surface, but the underlying concept remains the same: authorization is required for Part 107 operations within the lateral boundaries of Class D airspace during the tower's operational hours.
Class E Airspace
Class E airspace is controlled airspace that is not Class A, B, C, or D. It can begin at the surface, at 700 feet AGL, or at 1,200 feet AGL, depending on the location and chart depiction. Solid magenta lines depict Class E surface areas designated for an airport, while dashed magenta lines typically indicate Class E airspace beginning at 700 feet AGL. A remote pilot must obtain ATC authorization only when operating within the lateral boundaries of surface-level Class E airspace designated for an airport. Class E airspace that begins at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL does not require authorization for operations below those altitudes, but operations above those altitudes require prior authorization.
Class G Airspace
Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace, meaning there is no air traffic control separation service provided. It is the only airspace class designated as uncontrolled. Class G airspace typically extends from the surface to the base of the overlying controlled airspace, commonly Class E beginning at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL. Part 107 operations in Class G airspace do not require ATC authorization. Most rural areas without a nearby controlled airport are located within Class G airspace.
Special Use Airspace and Temporary Restrictions
Military Operations Areas (MOAs) are special use airspace established to separate military training activities from IFR traffic. MOAs are not controlled airspace as defined in 14 CFR 107.41, so no ATC authorization is required to operate a small UAS within an MOA. Remote pilots must, however, exercise extreme caution and remain clear of active military operations, yielding the right of way to military aircraft at all times.
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are issued by the FAA through NOTAMs to protect persons, property, or activities in the air or on the ground. Common reasons for TFRs include VIP movements, natural disasters, large public events, and emergency response operations. TFRs apply to all aircraft, including small unmanned aircraft. Under 14 CFR 107.45, a remote pilot may not operate a small UAS within a restricted area, prohibited area, or TFR unless authorized by the FAA or the specific NOTAM. When a TFR is discovered during preflight planning or becomes active during flight, the remote pilot must avoid the area or land as soon as practicable. There is no exception for operating below 400 feet AGL within an active TFR.
Controlled Airspace Authorization Requirements
14 CFR 107.41 forms the backbone of airspace authorization requirements for remote pilots. It states that no person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace, or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, unless that person has prior authorization from the FAA.
Key Authorization Principles
Class D Airspace When the Tower Is Closed
Class D airspace is typically effective only when the control tower is operational. Remote pilots must consult the Chart Supplement U.S. to determine the published hours of operation. When the tower is closed, the airspace may revert to Class G or Class E. If the airspace reverts to uncontrolled Class G, no ATC authorization is required. If it reverts to Class E surface area, authorization remains necessary. The determining factor is the airspace classification at the actual time of operation, not the classification that exists during tower hours.
Right-of-Way Requirements
14 CFR 107.37 establishes a fundamental safety principle for all remote pilots: the small UAS must yield the right of way to all other aircraft, airborne vehicles, and launch and reentry vehicles. This requirement applies in all airspace classes, including uncontrolled Class G airspace.
Key Right-of-Way Principles
Operating Limitations Under 14 CFR Part 107
Subpart B of Part 107 establishes the operating rules that remote pilots must follow during all small UAS operations, unless a waiver is obtained.
Maximum Groundspeed
14 CFR 107.51(a) limits the groundspeed of a small UAS to no more than 87 knots (100 miles per hour). This is a hard limit. Operations conducted at 95 mph are within the regulatory limit and may continue, provided all other requirements are satisfied. The remote pilot must be aware of wind conditions, as groundspeed—not airspeed—is the controlling factor.
Minimum Visibility and Cloud Clearance
14 CFR 107.51(c) and (d) establish minimum weather requirements:
Maximum Altitude and the Structure Exception
14 CFR 107.51(b) establishes a default maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (AGL) for all small UAS operations. However, this limit is subject to an important exception:
This structure exception allows inspections of towers, buildings, antennas, and other vertical structures that exceed 400 feet in height. The formula for calculating the maximum permissible altitude is:
Maximum Altitude AGL = Structure Height AGL + 400 feet
Examples:
The exception applies in all airspace classes where flight is otherwise permitted. No waiver is required when operating under the structure exception in Class G airspace, provided the flight remains within the lateral and vertical limits described.
Night Operations
14 CFR 107.29 permits small UAS operations at night under specific conditions. The regulatory requirements for night flight are:
An anti-collision light visible for 2.5 statute miles is not sufficient; the minimum is 3 statute miles. A visual observer, low aircraft weight, or the absence of airspace authorization requirements does not substitute for the anti-collision light requirement. Night is defined as the time between sunset and sunrise.
Operations Over People
14 CFR 107.39 prohibits operating a small UAS directly over a person unless that person is directly participating in the operation or is located under a covered structure or within a stationary vehicle that provides protection. For operations over crowds, such as a crowded parking lot during an airshow, a remote pilot must not fly unless:
A valid airspace authorization under 14 CFR 107.41 does not authorize operations over people. Even if the aircraft weighs only 1.5 pounds—which would qualify as Category 1—the remote pilot must verify all applicable category requirements are met before operating over persons. The safest and most compliant action is to refuse the operation until compliance is established.
Operations from a Moving Vehicle
14 CFR 107.25 permits the remote pilot to operate a small UAS from a moving vehicle or aircraft only under specific conditions:
Operating from a moving vehicle for a pipeline inspection in a rural, sparsely populated area is permissible, provided the other conditions are met.
ATC Instructions and Controlled Airspace Operations
When operating within controlled airspace under an authorization, the remote pilot is required under 14 CFR 107.43 to comply with all ATC instructions. This includes instructions to change course, exit the airspace, hold position, or alter altitude.
Preflight Planning and NOTAM Awareness
Remote pilots are responsible for conducting a thorough preflight review that includes checking all applicable Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) and temporary flight restrictions in the area of operation. This obligation is explicit in 14 CFR 107.49 and reinforced by 14 CFR 107.45.
Airspace Chart Symbols Quick Reference
Understanding the chart symbols for airspace is a core competency for the Part 107 knowledge test and for practical flight planning.
| Airspace Class | Chart Depiction | Authorization Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Class B | Solid blue lines | Yes, under 107.41 |
| Class C | Dashed blue lines | Yes, under 107.41 |
| Class D | Dashed magenta lines | Yes, under 107.41 during tower hours |
| Class E (surface area) | Solid magenta lines around an airport | Yes, under 107.41 |
| Class E (700/1,200 ft AGL) | Dashed magenta lines or blue shading | Only above 700/1,200 ft AGL; not below |
| Class G | No boundary lines; uncontrolled | No authorization required |
| MOA | Magenta hatched boundary with label | No authorization required (special use airspace) |
| TFR | Announced via NOTAM, not charted | Prohibited without specific FAA authorization |
Sectional Charts and Controlled Airspace Identification
When planning a flight near an airport, the remote pilot must examine the sectional chart to identify the airspace classification:
Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
Review of Key Regulatory Citations
| Regulation | Subject Matter |
|---|---|
| 14 CFR 107.25 | Operation from a moving vehicle only over sparsely populated areas |
| 14 CFR 107.29 | Night operation anti-collision light (3 SM) and training requirements |
| 14 CFR 107.37 | Right of way; yield to all other aircraft |
| 14 CFR 107.39 | Operations over people prohibition |
| 14 CFR 107.41 | No operation in controlled airspace without prior ATC authorization |
| 14 CFR 107.43 | Compliance with ATC instructions |
| 14 CFR 107.45 | No operation in restricted areas, prohibited areas, or TFRs |
| 14 CFR 107.51 | Operating limitations: speed (87 kts), altitude (400 ft AGL + structure exception), visibility (3 SM), cloud clearance (500 ft below, 2,000 ft horizontal) |
| 14 CFR 107.73 | Knowledge and training requirements, including night operations |
Frequently Asked Questions
What airspace can Part 107 drone pilots fly in without FAA authorization?
Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, and below the floor of Class E airspace that begins at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL. Operations inside Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace — or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport — require prior ATC authorization under 14 CFR §107.41.
How do you obtain airspace authorization for a Part 107 flight?
The two accepted methods are LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) and the FAA DroneZone portal. A VFR flight plan, a logbook endorsement, a private pilot certificate, or a phone call to the tower does not satisfy the authorization requirement.
Does Class D airspace require authorization even at low altitude?
Yes. Part 107 requires authorization within the lateral boundaries of Class D airspace during the control tower’s operational hours, regardless of your planned altitude — flying at 200 feet AGL inside Class D still requires it.
What is the maximum altitude for Part 107 operations?
400 feet AGL. Under 14 CFR §107.51 you may operate up to 400 feet above a structure’s immediate uppermost limit when within 400 feet of that structure, and the maximum groundspeed is 87 knots.
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