Chapter 18. Class E Airspace

Section 1. General

18-1-1. INTRODUCTION

Class E airspace consists of:

  1. The airspace of the United States, including that airspace overlying the waters within 12 NM of the coast ­of the 48 contiguous states and Alaska, extending upward from 14,500 feet MSL up to, but not including 18,000 ­feet MSL, and the airspace above FL600, excluding -
    1. The Alaska peninsula west of longitude 160_00'00"W.; and
    2. The airspace below 1,500 feet above the surface of the earth.
  2. Surface area designated for an airport. When designated as a surface area for an airport, the airspace will ­be configured to contain all instrument procedures to the extent practicable.
  3. Airspace used for transition. Class E airspace areas extending upward from either 700 or 1,200 feet AGL ­used to transition to/from the terminal or en route environment.
  4. En Route Domestic Areas. Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude and provide ­controlled airspace in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR en route ATC services but the ­Federal airway structure is inadequate.
  5. Federal Airways. The Federal airways and low altitude RNAV routes are Class E airspace areas and unless ­otherwise specified, extend upward from 1,200 feet to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL. The colored airways ­are green, red, amber, and blue. The VOR airways are classified as Domestic, Alaskan, and Hawaiian.
  6. Offshore Airspace Areas. Class E airspace areas that extend upward from a specified altitude to, but not ­including, 18,000 feet MSL and are designated as offshore airspace areas. These areas provide controlled ­airspace beyond 12 miles from the coast of the U.S. in those areas where there is a requirement to provide IFR ­en route ATC services and within which the U.S. is applying domestic procedures.

18-1-2. CLASS E SURFACE AREAS

  1. A Class E surface area is designated to provide controlled airspace for terminal operations where a control ­tower is not in operation. Class E surface areas extend upward from the surface to a designated altitude; or to ­the adjacent or overlaying controlled airspace. Class E airspace surface areas must meet the criteria in paragraph ­17-1-3 of this order.
  2. When a surface area is established to accommodate part time operations at a Class C or D airspace location, ­the surface area will normally be coincident with that airspace. If the airspace is not coincident, it should be ­explained in the rule.

18-1-3. DESIGNATION

If the communication and weather requirements described in paragraphs 17-2-9 and 17-2-10 are met, Class ­E surface airspace may be designated to accommodate:

  1. IFR arrival, departure, holding, and en route operations not protected by other controlled airspace.
  2. Instrument approach procedures. Surface airspace may be designated to accommodate special instrument ­procedures if such action is justified and/or in the public interest. The following factors are among those that ­should be considered:
    1. Type of procedure including decision height or minimum descent altitude.
    2. The actual use to be made of the procedure, including whether it is used by a certificated air carrier or ­an air taxi/commuter operator providing service to the general public.
    3. The operational and economic advantage offered by the procedure, including the importance and interest ­to the commerce and welfare of the community derived by the procedure.
    4. Any other factors considered appropriate.