Class E airspace
Class E is the controlled airspace that fills the gaps so IFR traffic stays protected; what VFR pilots must know.
Class E is controlled airspace that is not Class A, B, C or D. Its job is to provide controlled airspace where it's needed — especially around instrument approaches and airways — so IFR traffic stays in controlled airspace from takeoff to landing. For VFR pilots no clearance is required, but the cloud-clearance rules matter.
Class E shows up in several forms:
- Surface-based Class E around some non-towered airports with instrument approaches (dashed magenta on the chart).
- Class E beginning at 700 ft AGL (magenta shaded/faded line) — common around airports with approaches.
- Class E at 1,200 ft AGL (blue faded line) covering large areas.
- Class E starting at higher altitudes, and Class E everywhere from 14,500 ft MSL up to 18,000 ft (below Class A).
VFR weather minimums in Class E depend on altitude: below 10,000 ft MSL it's 3 SM visibility and 500/1,000/2,000 cloud clearance; at or above 10,000 ft MSL it jumps to 5 SM and 1,000 below / 1,000 above / 1 SM horizontal, because closing speeds are higher up high.
Understanding where Class E starts is key to knowing when stricter cloud-clearance rules kick in as you climb or descend.
*Reference and training only. Consult current charts and the FAA AIM.*