The primary purpose of the ATC system is to prevent a collision between aircraft operating in the system and to organize and expedite the flow of traffic. In addition to its primary function, the ATC system has the capability to provide (with certain limitations) additional services. The ability to provide additional services is limited by many factors, such as the volume of traffic, frequency congestion, quality of radar, controller workload, higher priority duties, and the pure physical inability to scan and detect those situations that fall in this category. Consistent with these conditions, controllers provide additional service procedures to the extent permitted by higher priority duties and other circumstances. The provision of additional services is not optional on the part of the controller, but rather is required when the work situation permits.

14.5.1 Coordinating the Use of Airspace #

ATC is responsible for ensuring that the necessary coordination has been accomplished before allowing an aircraft under their control to enter another controller’s area of jurisdiction.

Before issuing control instructions directly or relaying through another source to an aircraft which is within another controller’s area of jurisdiction that will change that aircraft’s heading, route, speed, or altitude, ATC ensures that coordination has been accomplished with each of the controllers whose area of jurisdiction is affected by those instructions, unless otherwise specified by a letter of agreement or a facility directive: the controller within whose area of jurisdiction the control instructions are issued; the controller receiving the transfer of control; and any intervening controller(s) through whose area of jurisdiction the aircraft will pass.

If ATC issues control instructions to an aircraft through a source other than another controller (e.g., ARINC, AFSS/FSS, another pilot), they ensure that the necessary coordination has been accomplished.

14.5.2 Operating in the Various Types of Airspace #

It is important that pilots be familiar with the operational requirements for each of the various types or classes of airspace. The classes are covered in sufficient detail to facilitate understanding with regard to weather, type of pilot certificate held, as well as equipment required.

14.5.3 Basic VFR Weather Minimums #

No pilot may operate an aircraft under basic VFR when the flight visibility is less, or at a distance from clouds that is less, than that prescribed for the corresponding altitude and class of airspace. [Figure 14-9] Except as provided in 14 CFR section 91.157, Special VFR Weather Minimums, no person may operate an aircraft beneath the ceiling under VFR within the lateral boundaries of controlled airspace designated to the surface for an airport when the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet. Additional information can be found in 14 CFR section 91.155(c).

14.5.4 Operating Rules and Pilot/Equipment Requirements #

The safety of flight is a top priority of all pilots, and the responsibilities associated with operating an aircraft should always be taken seriously. The air traffic system maintains a high degree of safety and efficiency with strict regulatory oversight of the FAA.

All aircraft operating in today’s National Airspace System (NAS) have complied with the CFR governing certification and maintenance, and all pilots have completed rigorous pilot certification training and testing. Pilots also comply with strict FAA general operating and flight rules, including the FAA’s important “see and avoid” mandate. Figure 14-10 lists the operational and equipment requirements for the various classes of airspace.

Class A: Pilots operating an aircraft in Class A airspace must conduct that operation under IFR and only under an ATC clearance received prior to entering the airspace.

Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC on an assigned frequency and with the appropriate transponder equipment meeting the specifications of 14 CFR section 91.215.

Class B: All pilots operating in a Class B airspace area must receive an ATC clearance from the ATC facility having jurisdiction for that area. The pilot in command (PIC) may not take off or land at an airport within Class B airspace unless he or she holds a private pilot certificate, or a recreational pilot certificate meeting the requirements of 14 CFR section 61.101(d), or a sport pilot certificate meeting the requirements of 14 CFR section 61.325 (or the operation is by a student pilot who has met the applicable requirements of 14 CFR sections 61.94 and 61.95).

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

Class C: No pilot may take off or land at a satellite airport within a Class C airspace area except in compliance with FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns.

Two-way radio communications must be established and maintained with the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to entering the airspace and thereafter maintained while within the airspace. Unless otherwise authorized, all aircraft within Class C airspace must be equipped with the appropriate transponder equipment per 14 CFR section 91.215.

Class D: No pilot may take off or land at a satellite airport within a Class D airspace area except in compliance with FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns.

Two-way radio communications must be established and maintained with the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to entering the airspace and thereafter maintained while within the airspace.

Class E:

Unless otherwise authorized or required by the ATC facility having jurisdiction, each pilot operating on or in the vicinity of an airport in a Class E airspace area must comply with the requirements of Class G airspace and with any traffic patterns established for that airport. Communications with a control tower (if operational) must be established prior to four nautical miles from the airport, up to and including 2,500 feet AGL.

Class G: When approaching to land at an airport without an operating control tower in Class G airspace, each pilot of an airplane must make all turns to the left unless the airport displays approved light signals or visual markings indicating turns to the right; each pilot of a helicopter or powered parachute must avoid the flow of fixed-wing aircraft. In all classes, if the aircraft radio fails in flight under IFR, the pilot should continue by the route assigned in the last ATC clearance received; or, if being radar vectored, by the direct route from the point of radio failure to the fix, route, or airway specified in the vector clearance; in the absence of an assigned route, by the route ATC advised may be expected, or the route filed in the flight plan.

14.5.5 Ultralight Vehicles #

No person may operate an ultralight vehicle within Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from the ATC facility having jurisdiction over that airspace. (See 14 CFR part 103.)

14.5.6 Unmanned Free Balloons #

Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an unmanned free balloon below 2,000 feet above the surface within the lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport. (See 14 CFR part 101.)

14.5.7 Parachute Jumps #

No person may make a parachute jump, and no PIC may allow a parachute jump to be made from that aircraft, in or into Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace without, or in violation of, the terms of an ATC authorization issued by the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the airspace. (See 14 CFR part 105.)