Part 107 airspace explained: where you need permission
| Class | Typical shape | Drone authorization? | On the sectional |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 18,000 ft MSL and up | Not reachable by small UA | Not shown |
| B | Surface to about 10,000 ft MSL around the busiest airports | Yes | Solid blue lines |
| C | 5 NM core from the surface, 10 NM shelf from 1,200 ft, up to 4,000 ft above the airport | Yes | Solid magenta lines |
| D | Surface to about 2,500 ft above the airport | Yes | Dashed blue line |
| E (surface area) | Starts at the surface around some airports | Yes | Dashed magenta line |
| E (elsewhere) | Usually starts at 700 or 1,200 ft AGL | No | Magenta shading = 700 ft floor; blue shading = 1,200 ft floor |
| G | Uncontrolled, below the Class E floor | No | Everything below those floors |
Getting authorization
Part 107 requires ATC authorization before flying in Class B, C, D, or the surface area of Class E around an airport (§107.41). LAANC gives near-real-time approvals up to the altitudes on the FAA's UAS Facility Maps.
Don't forget
Temporary Flight Restrictions come by NOTAM and aren't printed on the chart. Restricted and prohibited areas need permission from the agency that controls them (§107.45).
See where you stand. The free 20-question diagnostic covers every test area and shows your weak topics.
Take the free test
Take the free test
Sources
Rules change. Check the current regulations before you rely on any of this. Not affiliated with the FAA.