UA.II.B.K3: Operations near airports.

ACS Area II — Airspace Classification and Operating Requirements Task B: Airspace Operational Requirements References: 14 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. part 71; ACAdvisory CircularCloseFAA guidance that explains acceptable ways to comply with rules or understand FAA procedures. 107-2; AIMAeronautical Information ManualCloseFAA operational guidance and glossary material used to understand aviation procedures and terminology.; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-H-8083-25; FAAFederal Aviation AdministrationCloseThe U.S. aviation regulator responsible for Part 107 rules, airspace, and pilot certification processes.-G-8082-22; SAFOSafety Alert for OperatorsCloseFAA safety alert that shares operational safety information. 10015

Key Concepts

Understanding Airspace Around Airports

Airports are located within controlled airspace classes where Air Traffic Control (ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services.) provides services. These classes include A, B, C, D, and E, each designated for at least one primary airport. Class B airspace, typically around busy hubs, extends from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSLMean Sea LevelCloseAltitude measured from average sea level, not from the ground below you. and requires ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. clearance for all aircraft. Visual Flight Rules (VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions.) aircraft must remain "clear of clouds" in Class B. Class A airspace spans from 18,000 feet MSLMean Sea LevelCloseAltitude measured from average sea level, not from the ground below you. to FLFlight LevelCloseAltitude expressed using a standard pressure setting, mainly relevant to higher-altitude crewed aviation. 600, covering areas within 12 NMNautical MileCloseA distance unit used in aviation. One nautical mile is about 1.15 statute miles. of the U.S. coast, and operations are generally IFRInstrument Flight RulesCloseRules for operating primarily by instruments. On the exam, IFR often appears in weather, traffic, and airspace context. unless authorized otherwise. Class E usually starts at 1,200 feet AGLAbove Ground LevelCloseAltitude measured above the ground directly below the aircraft. and extends up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSLMean Sea LevelCloseAltitude measured from average sea level, not from the ground below you., with all airspace above FLFlight LevelCloseAltitude expressed using a standard pressure setting, mainly relevant to higher-altitude crewed aviation. 600 also classified as Class E. Class G is the surface layer not designated as A, B, C, D, or E, extending up to the base of Class E. Remote pilots should study the charted base of Class E and the lateral boundaries of Class B/C/D before launching near an airport. ^{[1] [2] [4] [7]}

ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. provides separation services inside Class B, but not for VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. aircraft in general. Expect dense, mixed traffic in busy terminal areas and maintain wide buffers from runways and approach/departure paths. ^[8]

Navigating Class B Airspace

VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. Flyways, depicted on TACTerminal Area ChartCloseA large-scale chart used around busy terminal airspace where more detail is needed./“Class B” charts, suggest routes with ground references to help pilots plan flights under and around Class B without entering it. These routes are not sterile, and traffic can be heavy. If your route takes you beneath Class B shelves or through surface areas of nearby Class B, C, or D airports, you must establish and maintain communications with those control towers. Use flyway planning to select routes and altitudes that keep you outside Class B and away from unauthorized surface areas. ^[6]

Some areas have VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. Corridors, defined "holes" through Class B with lateral and vertical limits where aircraft may operate without ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. clearance. These corridors are surrounded by Class B and do not extend to the surface. Plan conservatively around corridors due to high traffic density and significant pilot workload. ^[6]

In Class B, clearance is required for all aircraft, and VFRVisual Flight RulesCloseRules for flight using visual reference and minimum weather conditions. cloud clearance is "clear of clouds." If operating a small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUASSmall Unmanned Aircraft SystemCloseA small drone plus the control and communication links used to operate it.) near a Class B airport, plan to remain outside the airspace unless specifically authorized. Use charted flyways and shelves to build lateral and vertical buffers. ^{[4] [6]}

Airside Security and Runway Safety

Security Identification Display Areas (SIDASecurity Identification Display AreaCloseAn airport security area where identification and access rules apply.) are limited-access ramp areas. Movement within a SIDASecurity Identification Display AreaCloseAn airport security area where identification and access rules apply. is prohibited without proper identification under 49 CFRCode of Federal RegulationsCloseThe federal rulebook where Part 107, Part 89, Part 48, and other aviation rules live. Part 1542. Remote pilots supporting airport operations must coordinate with the airport operator and ensure team members avoid unauthorized entry into a SIDASecurity Identification Display AreaCloseAn airport security area where identification and access rules apply.. ^[3]

Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMASEngineered Materials Arresting SystemCloseCrushable runway safety material designed to help stop aircraft overruns.) may be located as close as 35 feet beyond a runway end. Never traverse an EMASEngineered Materials Arresting SystemCloseCrushable runway safety material designed to help stop aircraft overruns. or go beyond the runway end if EMASEngineered Materials Arresting SystemCloseCrushable runway safety material designed to help stop aircraft overruns. is present. For drones, avoid takeoff/landing sites near runway ends and establish geofences clear of EMASEngineered Materials Arresting SystemCloseCrushable runway safety material designed to help stop aircraft overruns. beds. ^[3]

Parachute jumps into or within Class A, B, C, or D require ATCAir Traffic ControlCloseThe system that manages controlled airspace, traffic flow, and aircraft separation services. authorization. Expect sporadic jump aircraft and canopy traffic near some airports; plan to pause or adjust operations when parachute activity is published or observed. ^[4]

Ground Operations Near Airports

Airport environments often include moving vehicles such as buses and tugs. Part 107 limits sustained flight over moving vehicles unless the operation is within or over a closed/restricted-access site or meets category allowances. Outside such sites, operations over non-participating moving vehicles are limited to transient passage. Category 1 aircraft (weighing 0.55 pounds or less) may operate over people and moving vehicles only within applicable limitations. Consider these constraints when selecting launch points near airport access roads or ramps. ^[5]

Choose ground locations away from active roads, ramps, and parking areas. If crossing over traffic is necessary, plan a brief, direct transit with minimized altitude/time—no loitering over moving vehicles unless within a controlled site. ^[5]