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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 71.33

Class A airspace areas

Read the official rule

Class A airspace extends from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including FL600 (60,000 feet) throughout most of the United States. This includes the airspace over the 48 contiguous states and their coastal waters out to 12 nautical miles.

In Alaska, Class A airspace has the same altitude limits but excludes areas less than 1,500 feet above the surface and the Alaska Peninsula west of 160°W longitude. Hawaii is not included in the Class A airspace definition.

Additionally, certain offshore areas in international airspace are designated as Class A when they're within range of U.S. radar or navigation signals and where domestic air traffic control procedures apply.

This matters because Class A airspace requires an IFR clearance and IFR flight plan—VFR flight is not permitted. All aircraft must be instrument-equipped, and pilots must be instrument-rated and current. ATC provides separation services to all aircraft operating in Class A airspace.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.