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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 71.41

Class B airspace

Read the official rule

Class B airspace surrounds the nation's busiest airports and is defined in FAA Order JO 7400.11K rather than in the regulation itself. This regulation establishes that when you operate in Class B airspace, you must comply with specific requirements found in Part 91, including:

  • Pilot qualifications (you generally need at least a private pilot certificate or student pilot endorsement)
  • Operating rules (such as ATC clearance requirements and speed limits)
  • Equipment requirements (like Mode C transponder)

Each Class B area is designed around at least one primary airport—typically a major hub like Atlanta, Chicago O'Hare, or Los Angeles. The regulation essentially says "these areas exist, here's where to find their boundaries, and here are the rules that apply when you fly there." The actual geographic boundaries of each Class B airspace are published in the referenced FAA order and depicted on sectional charts.

*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.