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The National Airspace System

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The National Airspace System (NAS) is the network of all components regarding airspace in the United States. This comprehensive label includes air navigation facilities, equipment, services, airports or landing areas, sectional charts, information/services, rules, regulations, procedures, technical information, manpower, and material. Many of these system components are shared jointly with the military. To conform to international aviation standards, the United States adopted the primary elements of the classification system developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This chapter provides a general discussion of airspace classification. Detailed information on the classification of airspace, operating procedures, and restrictions is found in the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM).

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This handbook departs from the conventional norm, in that the airspace discussions are presented in reverse order, in the belief that it is much easier to learn the airspace from least complicated to most complicated; also, the information presented for basic visual flight rules (VFR) weather minimums is only that necessary for weight-shift control (WSC) aircraft operations.

The two categories of airspace are regulatory and nonregulatory. Within these two categories, there are four types: uncontrolled, controlled, special use, and other airspace.

Airspace is charted on sectional charts as shown in the some examples for the specific airspaces on the chapter. The specific airspace symbols are shown on the legend for each sectional chart. [Figure 8-1] The WSC aircraft pilot should study and refer to the specifics of the AIM; FAA-H-8083- 25, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge; and Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91 for additional information regarding airspace and operations within that airspace.

Figure 8-1. Each student, pilot, and instructor should have a current sectional chart for the flight area.
Figure 8-1. Each student, pilot, and instructor should have a current sectional chart for the flight area.

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