Airspace Classification

Controlled airspace is defined as: ‘Airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided in accordance with the airspace classification. Airspace which is not defined as controlled airspace is ‘non-controlled.’

In Australia, there are five classes of controlled airspace (A, C, D, E and GAAP) and one non-controlled class (G). The reporting, flight planning and operational requirements of your flight can vary significantly depending on what class of airspace you will be operating in so it is important to understand how to find out what class of airspace you will be operating in and where the boundaries of nearby airspace are.

Just to keep us all on our toes there are also some over-riding differences between the way airspace within radar coverage is structured north and south of Sydney. Airspace outside of radar coverage also has a different structure.

Read our Australian Airspace System page for more detailed information on the structure and of Australian airspace before proceeding with the exercises below.

The official words regarding airspace classes and requirements can be found in AIP ENR 1.4 ATS Airspace Classification, AIP ENR 1.4 Classes of Airspace – Services and Requirements, AIP ENR 1.1 Aircraft Speeds. Further information about how airspace is depicted on charts can be found at AIP GEN 3.2 Airspace Depictions.

Exercises

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Technical data content credited to Mr Steve Griffin