Airspace classes A to G
Canada grades airspace A (most controlled) to G (least). Classes A through E are controlled, F is special-use, and G is uncontrolled (CARs 601.01-601.02). The busier the traffic, the more permission you need to enter.
| Class | VFR entry | Where you meet it |
|---|---|---|
| A | No: IFR only | High-level airspace, 18,000 ft ASL up to FL 600 |
| B | Clearance (as controlled VFR) + radio + transponder | Low-level controlled airspace above 12,500 ft ASL up to but not including 18,000; some busy control zones and terminal control areas |
| C | Clearance + radio + transponder | Terminal control areas and their control zones at busy airports |
| D | Two-way radio contact established before entry | Terminal control areas and control zones at quieter towered airports (transponder too where it is transponder airspace, CAR 601.03) |
| E | Yes, no clearance needed | Low-level airways, control area extensions, transition areas, control zones with no operating tower |
| F | Depends on the designation | Charted CYA / CYR / CYD blocks: aerobatic, parachuting, soaring, hang gliding, military, aircraft-test, and training areas |
| G | Yes, no clearance needed | Everything left over: low altitudes away from airports and airways, low-level air routes |
- C and D go quiet: when the ATC unit is not in operation, Class C and Class D airspace become Class E (TC AIM RAC 2.8.3, 2.8.4).
- Class F is special-use (CAR 601.04): CYA advisory (a letter in brackets names the activity, e.g.
CYA113(A)is acrobatic,(P)parachuting,(T)training, TC AIM RAC 2.8.6.1), CYR restricted (no entry without the using agency's permission), CYD danger (over international waters). It may sit in controlled or uncontrolled airspace; unless stated otherwise, the surrounding airspace's rules apply (TC AIM RAC 2.8.6). - In controlled airspace ATC keeps aircraft apart, so it wants a clearance or radio contact. In E and G nobody separates VFR traffic, so you just enter and keep your own lookout.
Trap: the permission steps down A to D and then stops. A = no VFR at all; B = clearance for controlled VFR (CVFR), with radio and transponder; C = the same clearance, radio, and transponder, in busy terminal airspace; D = two-way radio contact only, no clearance; E and G = just show up (CARs 601.06-601.09).
References
- CARs 601.01
- CARs 601.02
- CARs 601.03
- CARs 601.04
- CARs 601.06
- CARs 601.09
- TC AIM RAC 2.8