Overview
Class E airspace is controlled airspace that is designated to serve a variety of terminal or en route purposes. The vast majority of airspace below 18,000 feet MSL consists of Class E airspace. This provides sufficient airspace for the safe control and separation of aircraft during IFR operations. In most areas, the floor of Class E airspace is 1,200 feet AGL. However, it can also begin at the surface, 700 feet AGL, or 14,500 feet MSL. The examples below show the various functions of class E airspace.
Examples
Surface area designated for an airport where a control tower is not in operation.
Inside the segmented magenta line, Class E airspace begins at the surface.
Extension to a surface area.
Inside the segmented magenta line, Class E airspace begins at the surface.
Airspace used for transition.
On the "fuzzy" side of the magenta line the Class E floor is 700 feet AGL.
En Route Domestic Areas.
On the "fuzzy" side of the blue line the Class E floor is 1,200 feet AGL. Outside of it, the Class E floor is 14,500 feet MSL. The overwhelming majority of the United States is within this function of Class E.
Federal Airways and Low-Altitude RNAV Routes.
Within 4 NM of the centerline of each airway (see Instrument Procedures Handbook, 2–2), Class E begins at 1,200 feet MSL and extends to 17,999 feet MSL.
Offshore Airspace Areas.
Inside the blue "zipper" line, Class E airspace begins at the indicated altitude.
