article thumbnail

FAA Transponder Requirements Explained

Pilot Institute

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has rules to keep air travel safe, and one big part of that is making sure airplanes have the right transponders. Heres a breakdown: Class A, B, and C airspace: All aircraft must be equipped with an operable Mode C transponder.

article thumbnail

Airport Beacons Explained

Pilot Institute

In busy airspace (Class B, C, D, and E surface areas), airport beacons are often turned on during the day when ground visibility is less than 3 miles or the ceiling is less than 1,000 feet. 30 to 45 flashes per minute for heliports. When Are Airport Beacons Used?

VOR 64
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

Class B Airspace—A Pilot’s Guide

Flight Training Central

Class B Basics Class B Airspace Dimensions Minimum Pilot Certification for Class B Airspace Minimum Equipment for Class B Airspace Class B Speed Limitations Getting Around and Through Class B Airspace Class B Basics Yes, it is true that Class B airspace surrounds some of the busiest airports.

article thumbnail

Class E Airspace Explained

Pilot Institute

Introduction to Class E Airspace Class E airspace is the most common type of controlled airspace. This airspace provides ATC services to all IFR aircraft and VFR traffic upon request. They allow you enough clearance to see and avoid other airplanes.

article thumbnail

Class B Airspace Explained

Pilot Institute

VFR flyways, corridors, and transition routes help VFR traffic transit the crowded airspace. What is Class B Airspace? Class B (or Bravo) airspace surrounds the busiest airports in the country. The airspace funnels vast traffic volumes to and from major metro areas.

article thumbnail

Class C Airspace Explained

Pilot Institute

You can read our article Airspace Classes Explained for an overview of the different airspaces. The post Class C Airspace Explained appeared first on Pilot Institute. Just remember to focus on having clear communications and following all instructions ATC gives you. Happy flying!

article thumbnail

Pilot’s Guide to Airspace

Flight Training Central

You’ll typically see lots of airline traffic in Class B airspace, usually heaviest around pushes as an airline lands or departs many of its airplanes close together. An example of the Chicago Class B Airspace depicted on a sectional chart and extending to 10,000′ MSL.

AGL 52