Class C airspace consists of controlled airspace around larger airports with an airport traffic control tower. It has two rings around the primary airport - an inner ring from 5 nm radius of the airport surface to 4,000 feet AGL, and an outer ring from 5-10 nm radius from 1,200 to 4,000 feet AGL. There is also an undefined "outer area" that extends 20 nm laterally from the airport and from the lower limits of radar coverage to the approach control's delegated airspace ceiling. To operate within Class C airspace requires having a Mode C transponder, being in two-way communication with ATC, but no specific pilot certification.

1. Class C Airspace
AIM – Section 2. Controlled Airspace / FAR 91.130 – Operations in Class C Airspace
(AIM – 3-2-4)
AEFCO 2014
Phase I
Class 3

2. AEFCO – Class C Airspace
Notes
Altitude & Limits
– Class C is charted. – Each specific Class C is defined by the Chart.
– Inner Ring (general): From primary Airport – 5 nm radius / surface to 4,000’ AGL
– Outer Ring (general): From primary Airport – 5-10 nm radius / 1,200’ to 4,000’ AGL
“Outer Area”
⁻ Not charted.
⁻ Lateral: 20 nm from the primary airport
⁻ Vertical: lower limits of radar coverage up to the ceiling of the approach
control’s delegated airspace.
Operating (entering) a Class C Airspace
- Equipment:
Mode C Transponder (“automatic altitude reporting”)
Two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC
- Entry / Clearance:
“establish two-way radio communication”
- Certification:
No specific certification requirements

3. Denver Sectional
Colorado Springs – Class C Airspace

4. Denver Sectional
Colorado Springs – Class C Airspace
Actual Radar Coverage ATC can see too.

5. QUESTIONS ?
• AIM – Section 3-2-4, Class C Airspace
• FAR 91.130, Operations in Class C Airspace
Example: Denver Sectional Chart – Colorado Springs Airport