Jazmin Li
Class G airspace is the only uncontrolled airspace in the US. This means that air traffic control (ATC) does not have the authority to control traffic. While flying in Class G airspace, you can fly through it at airports and while en route. However, you must always yield the right of way to manned aircraft. If you are flying in uncontrolled airspace, you will see a Clear for Takeoff green box in the advisory bar info on the B4UFLY platform. This means you can fly without the need for an FAA authorization. The upper limit of recreational UAS operations in Class G airspace is 400 feet AGL.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airspace type | Uncontrolled |
| Authorization required | No |
| Maximum altitude | 400 feet AGL |
| Speed limit | 250 knots below 10,000' MSL |
| Equipment required | None below 10,000' MSL; Mode-C transponder above 10,000' MSL |
| Communication | Not required, but recommended |
| Traffic rules | Yield to manned aircraft |
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What You'll Learn
SUA and LAANC requirements
SUA or Special Use Airspace has specific rules because of the activities that take place within it. Restricted areas within SUA contain hazardous activities like artillery firing and guided missile launches. These areas are marked with a hatched blue border and the letter R followed by a number. Pilots are prohibited by the FAA from flying through these areas when they are active.
LAANC or UAS Data Exchange is an innovative, collaborative approach between the government and private industry, facilitating the sharing of airspace data between the two parties. LAANC authorizations are required for airports located in Class A, B, C, D, & E2 controlled airspace. However, smaller municipal, regional, and executive airports are often located in Class G uncontrolled airspace, meaning you do not need a LAANC authorization to operate near or around them.
Drone pilots planning to fly under 400 feet in controlled airspace around airports must receive an airspace authorization from the FAA before they fly. LAANC is available to pilots operating under the Small UAS Rule Part 107 or under the exception for Recreational Flyers. You can get access through one of the FAA-Approved LAANC UAS Service Suppliers. Aloft is the leading FAA-approved UAS service supplier, powering 70% of the monthly LAANC authorizations in the US.
If your operations must be conducted in the traffic pattern for a small airport, remember that you must always yield the right of way to manned aircraft. If you are flying into an uncontrolled Class G airport, it is recommended that you communicate your position at all times.
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Airspace classifications
Class A Airspace
Class A airspace is the highest level of controlled airspace, encompassing altitudes from 18,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL) up to 60,000 feet MSL across the United States. Aircraft in this airspace use flight levels, expressed in hundreds of feet, instead of feet for altitude measurements. It is exclusively for instrument flight rules (IFR) and requires pilots to have a two-way radio, Mode-C transponder, and ADS-B Out. The speed limit in Class A airspace is Mach 1.
Class B Airspace
Class B airspace surrounds the nation's busiest airports, often in major cities. It is designed to accommodate high-volume air traffic and has a unique structure with multiple tiers of different altitudes and shapes, customised for each airport. Class B airspace is depicted on sectional charts with solid blue lines, and each sector has a specific altitude range. The inner sector starts at the airport surface and extends up to approximately 10,000 feet MSL.
Class C Airspace
Class C airspace is associated with large airports that experience significant air traffic but are less busy than Class B airports. It offers a balance between controlled and unrestricted flight, providing structure without the same level of restrictions as Class B.
Class D Airspace
Class D airspace is more restrictive than Class E and G airspace. It has specific requirements for pilots, including the need to maintain certain distances from clouds and adhere to visibility standards.
Class E Airspace
Class E airspace includes federal airways and low-altitude RNAV routes, extending from 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL) up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL. It also encompasses offshore airspace areas beyond 12 nautical miles from the US coast, providing controlled airspace for IFR en route air traffic control services. There are multiple types of Class E airspace, with specific dimensions and requirements outlined in the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Class G Airspace
Class G airspace is the only uncontrolled airspace class, where air traffic control (ATC) does not have the authority to control traffic. It is often suitable for smaller airports with basic needs, such as municipal airports with no airliner operations. In Class G airspace, pilots are not required to communicate with ATC, but it is strongly recommended for safety reasons. This class of airspace exists wherever other classes do not, starting at the surface and extending upwards until it reaches Class E airspace.
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Drone restrictions
Registration and Licensing: In the United States, any recreational drone weighing more than half a pound (or over 250 grams) must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years. Drones flown for non-recreational purposes, regardless of weight, require a Part 107 license and registration.
Altitude Restrictions: Drones should be flown below 400 feet (120 meters) to ensure safe and legal operation. This altitude restriction applies to Class G uncontrolled airspace, where drones can be flown without prior authorization.
Airspace Restrictions: Drones cannot be flown within controlled airspace around airports without prior FAA authorization. This restriction applies to Class A, B, C, D, and certain types of Class E airspace. However, Class G uncontrolled airspace does not require prior authorization for drone operations up to 400 feet AGL (above ground level).
Safety Considerations: Drone pilots must maintain a visual line of sight with their drone at all times. This can be achieved through direct observation or by using a visual observer who is physically next to the pilot and in direct communication. Additionally, drones must yield the right of way to manned aircraft and avoid interfering with their flight paths.
Location Restrictions: Drones are prohibited from flying over designated national security-sensitive facilities, certain military bases, infrastructure, national landmarks, and areas with temporary flight restrictions implemented by the FAA for safety or security reasons.
Night Flight Restrictions: Flying drones at night requires the drone to be equipped with the necessary lights for visibility.
It is important to note that drone restrictions may vary depending on local and regional regulations. Drone operators are responsible for ensuring they comply with all applicable laws and guidelines.
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Safety guidelines
Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace, meaning air traffic control (ATC) does not have the authority to control traffic. Guidance from ATC in uncontrolled airspace is advisory only. This is the only uncontrolled airspace class in the US.
When flying a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) or drone in uncontrolled airspace, you do not need special permission. However, if you are flying in the traffic pattern for a small airport, you must always yield the right of way to manned aircraft. If you see a manned aircraft approaching, you must land your UAS or change your position or altitude to avoid the aircraft's flight path.
Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) states that you must always avoid manned aircraft, never operate in a careless or reckless manner, and keep your drone within sight. You can use First Person View technology, but you must have a visual observer to keep the drone within unaided sight. You cannot fly a drone over people unless they are directly participating in the operation.
The maximum speed for a drone is 100 mph (87 knots) and the maximum altitude is 400 feet above the ground, or higher if the drone remains within 400 feet of a structure. The minimum flight visibility is three miles from your control station. You can fly during daylight hours (30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset, local time) or in twilight if your drone has anti-collision lighting.
If you are flying into an uncontrolled Class G airport, it is recommended that you communicate your position at all times, although this is not a requirement.
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Speed limits
Class G airspace is uncontrolled airspace, meaning that air traffic control (ATC) does not have the authority to control traffic. While operating in Class G airspace, neither VFR (Visual Flight Rules) nor IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) aircraft need an ATC clearance. This type of airspace exists wherever Class A, B, C, D or E airspace doesn't.
In terms of speed limits, in Class G airspace, aircraft cannot fly faster than 250 knots when below 10,000' MSL. This restriction is in place so that it is easier for planes to see and avoid each other, reducing the chance of mid-air collisions.
In comparison to other classes, Class B airspace has a speed limit of 200 knots below Class B and through its VFR corridors. Class C or D airspace has a speed limit of 200 knots at or below 2,500 feet AGL within 4 nm of the primary airport.
If you are flying a drone in Class G airspace, you do not need to adhere to these speed limits. However, you must always yield the right of way to manned aircraft.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can fly SUAS at a Class G airport. Class G airspace is uncontrolled, so you don't need LAANC authorization or to talk to anyone.
The upper limit for recreational UAS operations in Class G airspace is 400 feet AGL.
Although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that you communicate your position at all times when flying in Class G airspace.
Understand the airport's traffic patterns and other useful information that can help you fly safely. Always yield the right of way to manned aircraft.
Class G is the only uncontrolled airspace in the US. Airports located in Class A, B, C, D, & E2 controlled airspace require LAANC authorizations, so if an airport does not require this, it is in Class G airspace.
