Class C Airspace

Class C Airspace

Class C airspace generally extends from the ground to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation (charted in MSL) and surrounds airports with an operational control tower, radar approach control, and a certain number of IFR operations or passenger emplacements. Although the configuration of each Class C area is individually tailored, the airspace usually consists of a surface area with a 5 nautical mile radius, an outer circle with a ten nautical mile radius that extends from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation, and an outer area. Each aircraft must establish two-way radio communication with the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to entering the airspace, and thereafter maintain those communications while within the airspace. The primary airport is the airport for which the Class C airport is designated. A satellite airport is any other airport within the Class C airspace area except in compliance with FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns. A pilot departing from the primary airport with an operating control tower must establish and maintain two-way radio communication with the control tower, and thereafter as instructed by ATC while operating in the Class C airspace area. If departing from a satellite airport without an operating control tower, the pilot must establish and maintain two-way radio communication with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area as soon as practicable after departing. All aircraft within the Class C area must be equipped with the appropriate transponder equipment meeting all applicable specifications found in 14 CFR section 91.215 unless otherwise authorized by the ATC having jurisdiction over the Class C area.