FAA Ground School Practice Test

Class E airspace extends upward from either 700 FT or 1200 FT AGL to, but does not include what altitude?

1. 15000 FT MSL

2. 18000 FT MSL

3. 20000 FT MSL

4. 23000 FT MSL

The correct answer is: 18000 FT MSL

Class E airspace is a type of controlled airspace that extends from a specified altitude, such as 700 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) or 1200 feet AGL, up to but not including 18,000 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level). This upper limit is significant because it denotes the transition from Class E airspace to Class A airspace, which starts at 18,000 feet MSL. When you operate within Class E airspace, understanding its boundaries is crucial, especially for flight planning and compliance with air traffic control regulations. The airspace below 18,000 feet MSL allows for various types of operations, including VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules), but once you reach 18,000 feet, you must comply with Class A airspace requirements, which are more restrictive and typically reserved for aircraft operating under IFR. This makes 18,000 feet MSL the correct upper limit for Class E airspace, reinforcing the importance of recognizing the transition points between various classifications of airspace. Understanding these limits helps pilots to maintain situational awareness and operate safely within the National Airspace System.