Glossary of Aviation Terms | Class A Airspace

Class A Airspace | Paramount Business Jets

Class A airspace is generally defined as 18,000 ft. MSL up to and including FL 600, as well as the airspace overlying the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coasts of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Unless otherwise authorized, all operations in Class A are conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR). Pilots operating in Class A airspace must conduct that operation under IFR and only with ATC clearance received prior to entering the airspace. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft operating in Class A airspace must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC on a frequency assigned by ATC. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, all aircraft within Class A airspace must be equipped with the appropriate transponder equipment to meet all applicable specifications found in 14 CFR section 91.215.