Lois Larson
While it is rare, some airports with control towers exist in Class E airspace. These airports are often temporary towers that eventually become Class D airports once they have proper weather reporting capabilities. For example, the Truckee Tahoe Airport (KTRK) used to be a Class E towered airport until it became designated as Class D. Additionally, if an airport has a tower, pilots are required to contact the tower before flying within 4 nautical miles and below 2,500 feet, similar to the requirements for Class D airspace.
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What You'll Learn
Class E airports with control towers are rare but exist
While it is rare, it is possible for Class E airports to have control towers. Airports with control towers are typically classified as Class D, C, or B. However, there are a few instances of Class E airports with control towers, such as the Beech Factory Airport in Wichita, Kansas, which was a towered Class E airport until recently when it became Class D. Similarly, KEDC was Class E for some time after getting a new tower before transitioning to Class D.
Class E airports with control towers have similar airspace requirements to Class D airports. Aircraft operating within 4 nautical miles of the airport and below 2,500 feet AGL must establish two-way radio communication with the control tower. This is specified in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) § 91.127, which outlines the rules for operating on or near airports in Class E airspace.
The presence of a control tower at a Class E airport can be temporary or indicate that the airport is in the process of transitioning to Class D. For example, Truckee Tahoe (KTRK) had a Class E tower for several years before becoming a designated Class D airport in 2017. Temporary towers may be established for special events or aerial firefighting operations, as seen with KIZA.
It is important to note that the classification of an airport's airspace is based on various factors, including weather reporting capabilities and traffic volume. As such, the presence of a control tower does not necessarily dictate the airspace class. The transition from Class E to Class D often occurs when an airport gains proper weather reporting capabilities or experiences an increase in traffic volume.
While Class E airports with control towers are uncommon, they do exist, and pilots should be aware of their presence during preflight planning. These airports may have unique characteristics and requirements that pilots need to consider for safe and efficient operations.
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Two-way radio communication is required with the control tower
While it is rare, some airports with control towers are designated as Class E. An example of this is Fort Collins (KFNL), which has a tower with Class E airspace.
Class E airports with control towers require two-way radio communication with the control tower. This is outlined in FAR 91.127, which states that no person may operate an aircraft to, from, through, or on an airport with a control tower unless two-way radio communication is maintained with the tower. This communication must be established prior to 4 nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL.
It is important to note that some Class E airports may have part-time towers or temporary towers, which may not always be operational. When the tower is closed, these airports may revert to Class E or Class G airspace. For example, Olympia, WA is Class D when the tower is open and Class E when it is closed.
Additionally, some airports that were previously designated as Class E have transitioned to Class D after gaining proper weather reporting capabilities. For instance, Truckee Tahoe (KTRK) used to be a Class E airport with a tower but has since become a designated Class D airport.
In summary, while Class E airports with control towers are less common, they do exist and require two-way radio communication with the tower. However, it is important to stay updated with the current designations, as some airports may transition from Class E to Class D over time.
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Airports can be Class D when the tower is open and Class E when it is not
Airspace classes are designated based on factors such as the presence of a functioning control tower, weather reporting capabilities, and the level of air traffic control. While Class D airports typically have operational control towers, Class E airports may not always have a control tower in operation.
When an airport's tower is open and functioning, it is generally classified as Class D airspace. This means that aircraft operating within a certain range of the airport, usually within 4 miles and below 2,500 feet, must establish two-way radio communication with the control tower. This requirement ensures coordination and safe air traffic management around the airport.
However, when the tower is closed or non-operational, the airport's classification may change. In some cases, airports can transition from Class D to Class E when the tower is closed. This change in classification indicates a reduction in the level of air traffic control services provided. While Class D requires mandatory communication with the control tower, Class E may allow for more flexibility in this regard.
The transition from Class D to Class E when the tower is closed is often observed in part-time towers or airports with reduced operational hours. For example, Olympia, Washington, is known to be Class D when the tower is open and Class E when it is closed. This change in classification is primarily due to the absence of a weather observer during the hours when the tower is non-operational.
It is important to note that the presence of a control tower does not solely determine the airspace class. Other factors, such as weather reporting capabilities and air traffic control requirements, also play a role in the classification process. While Class E airspace typically extends from the surface to a designated altitude, it can provide controlled airspace for terminal operations even without a functioning control tower.
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Temporary towers can be set up for special events
Temporary towers for special events do not change the airspace designation as changes to airspace need to go through a formal rule-making process. They are usually set up when an uncontrolled airport, which may be in Class E or Class G airspace, becomes controlled. The addition of a control tower requires a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to alert pilots of the change in airspace and the requirement of the control tower at that location. This information is also announced on ATIS and airport advisories.
Temporary towers are also seen at some airports with new towers, where there is a delay between the time the towers are commissioned and the time that the airspace is designated Class D. These temporary towers, even with an official weather observer, rarely generate an airspace designation change. They are also seen at airports that are Class D when the tower is open and Class E when it is closed.
A control tower in Class E airspace is a temporary situation that occurs when the airspace is going to be upgraded to Class D.
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Class E airports may become Class D in the future
While Class E airports are rare, they do exist. Class E airports are typically small airports with part-time control towers. When the tower is closed, the airspace changes from Class D to Class E.
Class E airspace can change its classification based on certain conditions. For instance, in small airports with part-time control towers, the airspace changes from Class D to Class E after the tower closes.
For example, KTRK (Truckee, CA) was an infamous one on the west coast that just got its Class D ring in 2017. Olympia, WA is Class D when the tower is open and Class E when it is not.
Additionally, if a field has a tower, pilots are required to contact the tower before flying within 4 nautical miles and below 2,500 feet, just like in a Class D airspace.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are a handful of airports that are in Class E and have a control tower. For example, Fort Collins (KFNL) and Truckee Tahoe (KTRK) are airports with control towers in Class E airspace.
No, it is not necessary for all airports with control towers to be in Class D. Airports with control towers can be in Class E or Class G.
Yes, pilots need to establish two-way radio communication with the control tower prior to entering Class E airspace within 4 nautical miles of the airport and below 2,500 feet AGL.
