Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What airspace classification begins at 10,000 feet MSL?

1. Class B airspace.

2. Class C airspace.

3. Class D airspace.

4. Class E airspace.

The correct answer is: Class B airspace.

Class E airspace begins at 10,000 feet MSL. This classification of airspace is considered controlled airspace and typically extends from either the surface or a designated lower limit up to 18,000 feet MSL, where it transitions into Class A airspace. Class E encompasses a variety of scenarios, including airspace over or near airports and airways. In the context of different airspace classifications, Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports and extends from the surface up to a specified altitude, typically not reaching down to 10,000 feet MSL in rural areas. Class C airspace also surrounds airports but usually starts at the surface and typically consists of a smaller area around the airport compared to Class B. Class D airspace consists of airspace from the surface to a designated altitude surrounding airports with an operational control tower. Thus, the correct classification that starts at 10,000 feet MSL is Class E airspace, which allows for less stringent flight rules compared to Class B, C, or D airspaces.