Airspace Operating Requirements for Pilots
The U.S. airspace system is divided into different classes of airspace that extend horizontally and vertically, based on various factors. The airspace immediately surrounding the busiest airports is the most restrictive regarding pilot and airplane qualifications, while the airspace over the rural areas has the fewest restrictions.
Learn more about what is required to operate in each class of controlled and uncontrolled airspace in our latest interactive scenario from Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course.
This is one of 18 new interactive exercises included in Sporty’s 2023 Learn to Fly Course, which includes over 15 hours of HD and 4K video training.
As Sporty’s lead aviation course and video producer, Bret is usually flying an interesting airplane, and often with a camera rolling. He oversees the development, production and distribution of over 30 aviation courses from Sporty's, including the Private Pilot Learn to Fly Course. He is a flight instructor and check airman at the Sporty's Academy flight school and a senior captain on a Cessna Citation.
Latest posts by Bret Koebbe (see all)
- Video Tip: Flying in and around special use airspace - November 29, 2023
- 7 tips for your cold weather flying - November 27, 2023
- Video Tip: How to enter the traffic pattern at a nontowered airport - November 22, 2023
A challenge
I am an 82 year old SEL pilot with 5.000 hours, 75% in Mooneys. I have a commercial and instrument rating and currently working on a glider rating. I also have an expired VFI from the 60″s I sold my Mooney 2 years ago and began flying a Cirrus. Nice plane although not to the Mooney performance standards in my judgement. I finally departed this environment for the silent flight which is great. And highly recommended as it is safer than a powered airplane as it does not have an engine that could quit!
My issue with the powered aircraft is the transition from the vacuum instruments to the glass cockpit. I never mastered this technology to the point that I was comfortable, likely because of the lack of on repetitive experience. Paying about $259 an hour became a barrier. I did not want the cost or challenge of acquiring a simulator and learning how to set it up and use it.
Is this a common problem with senior aged pilots? How can it be addressed?.