Class E Airspace

Class E Airspace is controlled airspace that provides ATC separation services for IFR traffic. VFR aircraft may operate in Class E without ATC clearance or communication, though they must comply with VFR weather minima.

Class E is the most common type of controlled airspace in many countries, often beginning at 1,200 ft AGL (or 700 ft near instrument approach airports) and extending upward.

• IFR flights receive ATC separation and services
• VFR flights do not need clearance or radio contact
• VFR weather minima: 3 SM visibility, 500 ft below / 1,000 ft above / 2,000 ft horizontal from clouds
• Surface-based Class E exists around some non-towered airports with instrument approaches
• Federal Airways (Victor airways) are Class E above 1,200 ft AGL