National Airspace System practice questions

Answer: B) 3 NM radius up to 3,000 feet AGL

• AIncorrect. That's far larger.
• BCorrect. It applies around the event times.
• CIncorrect. That's too small.
• DIncorrect. That's too large.

Answer: D) 1 SM and clear of clouds

• AIncorrect. That applies above 10,000 MSL.
• BIncorrect. That is Class B.
• CIncorrect. That applies in Class C, D and E.
• DCorrect. Night minimums are higher.

Answer: B) Establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facility providing service

Under 14 CFR 91.130(c), a pilot must establish two-way radio communications with ATC before entering Class C airspace, but no clearance is needed. The aircraft also needs a Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out (91.215, 91.225).

• AIncorrect. An explicit ATC clearance is required to enter Class B airspace. 14 CFR 91.130 does not require one for Class C.
• BCorrect. 14 CFR 91.130(c) requires arriving and through flights to establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic services before entering Class C airspace, and to keep those communications going. The aircraft must also have the equipment required by 91.215 (a Mode C transponder) and 91.225 (ADS-B Out).
• CIncorrect. 91.130 does not require a VFR flight plan to enter Class C airspace. The requirements there are two-way radio communications and the specified equipment.
• DIncorrect. VFR flight is allowed in Class C airspace. Neither an instrument rating nor an IFR flight plan is required to enter.

Answer: A) Check the area's status using NOTAMs, its published times of use, or the using or controlling agency

Before flying through a restricted area, find out whether it is active by checking NOTAMs, its published times, or the using/controlling agency. An active area requires authorization, while an inactive area released to the FAA may be flown through.

• ACorrect. Pilots can get special use airspace status from the using or controlling agency (frequencies are in the chart margins) and from NOTAMs. Entering an active restricted area without authorization from the using or controlling agency may be extremely hazardous. If the area is not active and has been released to the controlling agency (FAA), aircraft may operate in it.
• BIncorrect. Restricted areas are established under 14 CFR part 73 with their own times of use. They do not depend on a TFR to become active.
• CIncorrect. Authorization for an active restricted area comes from the using or controlling agency, not from whatever tower happens to be nearest.
• DIncorrect. When a restricted area is active and has not been released, ATC issues IFR clearances that keep aircraft out of it, unless the pilot has obtained permission from the using agency.

Answer: D) 6,500 feet MSL

• AIncorrect. That's an IFR altitude.
• BIncorrect. Odd plus 500 is for eastbound.
• CIncorrect. VFR altitudes add 500.
• DCorrect. Westbound uses even thousands plus 500.

Answer: B) At least one segment of the route lies above 1,500 feet AGL

MTRs with one or more segments above 1,500 feet AGL are identified by three-digit numbers. MTRs with no segment above 1,500 feet AGL are identified by four-digit numbers.

• AIncorrect. MTRs with no segment above 1,500 feet AGL are identified by four-digit numbers, such as IR1206.
• BCorrect. The AIM states that MTRs that include one or more segments above 1,500 feet AGL are identified by three-digit numbers.
• CIncorrect. MTRs are developed for low-altitude, high-speed military training, not for flight in Class A airspace.
• DIncorrect. The IR prefix means the route is flown under IFR. Routes entirely at or below 1,500 feet AGL get four-digit numbers.

Answer: B) 5 SM; 1,000/1,000/1 SM

• AIncorrect. That's below 10,000 ft.
• BCorrect. Higher minimums apply above 10,000 ft.
• CIncorrect. That's Class G day low altitude.
• DIncorrect. That's Class B.

Answer: A) Unusual activity

• ACorrect. High-volume training or unusual activity; no permission needed, use caution.
• BIncorrect. Flight is allowed.
• CIncorrect. Flight is allowed.
• DIncorrect. It's special-use caution airspace.

Answer: B) 10,000 feet MSL

Class B airspace generally extends from the surface to 10,000 ft MSL and is tailored to each busy airport. Class C usually tops out at 4,000 ft and Class D at 2,500 ft above airport elevation.

• AIncorrect. 4,000 feet above airport elevation is the usual ceiling of Class C airspace, not Class B.
• BCorrect. FAA guidance describes Class B as generally running from the surface to 10,000 ft MSL around the busiest airports. Each area is individually tailored, with a surface area and two or more layers.
• CIncorrect. 18,000 ft MSL is where Class A airspace begins, not the top of Class B.
• DIncorrect. 2,500 feet above airport elevation is the usual ceiling of Class D airspace.

Answer: B) 3 SM

• AIncorrect. That's day.
• BCorrect. With standard cloud clearances (or the traffic-pattern exception).
• CIncorrect. That's above 10,000 ft.
• DIncorrect. 3 SM is required.