Airspace, Equipment, and VFR Weather Minimums
- Episode: 16
- Version: 0.1.14
In this episode
One fictional daytime cross-country turns airspace into a repeatable decision: locate the airplane in three dimensions, establish the communication or clearance required for entry, match the pilot and equipment to the full route, and apply the correct VFR visibility and cloud minimums. The route climbs from Class Golf airspace into Class Echo airspace, passes near Class Charlie airspace and beneath a Class Bravo shelf inside its Mode C veil, and approaches a Class Delta destination. Lowering weather, special use airspace, an MTR, and a TFR test the plan and clarify which rules belong to each category.
Study materials and visual aids
- Private Pilot ACS National Airspace System task
- PHAK Figure 15-1 airspace profile
- PHAK Figure 15-8 basic VFR weather minimums
- PHAK Figure 15-9 airspace operating requirements
- FAA Chart Users’ Guide Class B, C, and D symbols
- FAA Chart Users’ Guide Class E and Mode C symbols
- AIM controlled-airspace overview
- AIM Class B airspace
- AIM Class C airspace
- AIM Class D airspace
- AIM Class E airspace
- AIM basic VFR weather-minimum table
- AIM special-use airspace guide
- AIM temporary flight restriction guide
- AIM Special VFR explanation
- FAA ATC Special VFR pilot-request guidance
- AIM transponder and altitude-reporting operation
- AIM ADS-B In and ADS-B Out definitions
- Pilot/Controller Glossary visibility definitions
Fact-check and source material
| Topic | Source type | Authoritative source | Locator | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Class B entry | Regulation | 14 CFR 91.131 | 14 CFR 91.131(a)(1) | 2026-09-12 |
| Class C and Class D communication | Regulation | 14 CFR 91.130 and 14 CFR 91.129 | 14 CFR 91.130(c); 91.129(c) | 2026-09-12 |
| Basic VFR weather | Regulation | 14 CFR 91.155 | 14 CFR 91.155(a)-(d) | 2026-09-12 |
| Flight and ground visibility | FAA glossary and regulation | Pilot/Controller Glossary visibility definitions and 14 CFR 91.155 | Visibility definitions; 14 CFR 91.155(d) airport surface-area rule | 2026-09-12 |
| Special VFR | Regulation | 14 CFR 91.157 | 14 CFR 91.157(a)-(c) | 2026-09-12 |
| Special VFR pilot request | FAA controller guidance | FAA Order JO 7110.65 | 7-5-1(a)(4) | 2026-09-12 |
| Transponder and ADS-B Out | Regulation | 14 CFR 91.215 and 14 CFR 91.225 | 14 CFR 91.215(b); 91.225(a), (d)-(g) | 2026-09-12 |
| Student-pilot Class B preparation | Regulation | 14 CFR 61.95 | 14 CFR 61.95(a)-(c), with 91.131(b) cross-reference | 2026-09-12 |
Correction status
Corrections and source updates are recorded in the episode production log before a revised version is published. Submit a source correction through the repository issue form or email [email protected]. Do not send credentials, private documents, or personal flight information.