Airspace, Air Traffic Control, and Airport Operations
Airspace is a rules-lookup exercise
Know the seven classes and what each requires. Class A is above 18,000 ft MSL, IFR only. Class B is the busiest terminal airspace - clearance required, private pilot students need a logbook endorsement, and VFR minimums are 3 SM and clear of clouds. Class C requires two-way radio, a transponder with Mode C, and a 20 NM radius outer area; Class D needs radio contact and is typically 2,500 ft AGL. Class E can start at the surface, 700, or 1,200 ft AGL. Class G is uncontrolled and its minimums change with altitude and time of day.
Equipment rules link to airspace: the Mode C veil extends 30 NM around Class B primary airports and ADS-B Out is required in most controlled airspace. Special use airspace - prohibited, restricted, warning, alert, MOA, and TFRs - requires knowing which are regulatory and which are advisory.
Airport surface questions test markings and signs: hold-short markings are solid/solid, ILS critical areas are solid/dashed, runway distance-remaining signs count down. LAHSO requires acceptance by the pilot. At non-towered fields, announce on CTAF, fly the standard pattern, and remember right-of-way rules (lower aircraft, converging at similar altitude favors the aircraft on the right).
Trap: confusing Class E surface-area minimums with Class G, or assuming Class D requires a transponder.
Worked example: Class E surface area, 1,200 ft MSL: 3 SM visibility and 1,000 above / 500 below / 2,000 horizontal - not the 1 SM, clear-of-clouds Class G rules below 1,200 ft.