Glossary of Aviation Terms | Class B Airspace

Class B Airspace | Paramount Business Jets

This airspace class is generally the surface to 10,000 ft MSL surrounding the nation’s busiest airports in terms of airport operations or passenger emplacements. The configuration of each Class B airspace area is individually tailored, consists of a surface area and two or more layers, and is designed to contain all published instrument procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace. An ATC clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in the area, and all aircraft that are cleared receive separate services within the airspace. All pilots flying in Class B airspace must obtain ATC clearance from the ATC facility in charge of that area. The pilot in command may not take off or land an aircraft at an airport within Class B airspace unless he or she meets one of the following requirements:

• A private pilot's certificate 

• A recreational pilot certificate and all requirements specified in 14 CFR section 61.101 (d), or the requirements specified in 14 CFR section 61.94 for a student pilot seeking a recreational pilot certificate. 

• A sport pilot certificate and all requirements contained within 14 CFR section 61.325, or the requirements for a student pilot seeking a recreational pilot certificate in 14 CFR section 61.94, or the aircraft are operated by a student pilot who has met the requirements of 14 CFR section 61.94 and 61.95, as applicable.

• Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, all aircraft operating in Class B airspace must be equipped with the applicable operating transponder and automatic altitude reporting equipment specified in 14 CFR section 91.215(a), as well as an operable two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC on the appropriate Class B airspace frequencies.