Airspace

The airspace is the air-filled space above the earth's surface. It is about the same as the space occupied by the lower and middle layers of the atmosphere depending on the definition. An upper limit of the Kármán line is viewed at 100 km altitude in the rule. Thus, the air space corresponds approximately to the homo sphere in which the composition of the air is almost constant. Parts of the airspace available to the aviation available. The airspace over the entire land and sea area of a State is part of the sovereign territory; each state has air superiority ( the fundamental right to the use of its air space to independently regulate ).

The European Commission operates the Single European Sky project with the aim to optimize the traffic flows to restructure European airspace again and dissolve the fragmented by national borders and interests since the late 1990s.

• 2.1 airspace classes
• 2.2 Classical distinction 2.2.1 Lower airspace
• 2.2.2 Upper Airspace

Legal provisions

Air sovereignty

The airspace over the entire land and sea area of a State is part of the sovereign territory. The national airspace corresponds in extent, therefore, usually the boundary line. Parts of the airspace may be assigned to other States for use.

The upper limit of the airspace is not legally uniquely determined. The current limits ( about Kármán line) under international law not relevant to the determination of the air sovereignty underlying airspace between majestic open space.

Private airspace

The airspace above a plot essentially part available range of the owner. Theoretically, enough private grounds in the infinite height and the depth to the center of the earth. The reign of the owner, however ( § 905 BGB in Germany and the Aviation Act ) restricted by law, so that no private owner may prohibit overflights of his reason. Aircraft have but comply with the prescribed minimum altitudes.

On the other hand (will not be entered unless already at a lower level in spatial safety zones around airports ) when bound abandoning a balloon or kite over typically 100 m obtain an air permit for in the Authority and reach a consensus with the air traffic control.

Special areas

From considerations of military or police procedures, airspace, by an official expulsion of air restricted areas ( prohibited area), flight restriction areas (restricted area) or hazardous areas ( danger area) restricted for specific reasons for civil and military aircraft and are completely locked, about technical plant how to protect nuclear power plants or large-scale events, such as football stadiums.

Airspace structure

The International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO) has defined an airspace structure with different airspace classes of A ( Alpha ) to G (Golf). The distinction is made rough by the type of control of these air spaces (controlled / uncontrolled airspace ) and includes broad guidelines for the fly-through of these areas, such as maximum, minimum visibility (flight and ground visibility ), sight of the surface and minimum distances clouds. Air spaces relate to each other both horizontally ( side by side) and vertical ( stacked) arrangement. The control of the air spaces is performed by air traffic control units (ATC). These may, but need not be supported by radar.

Airspace classes

Regardless of the airspace class, the minimum safe altitudes must be observed in Germany.

Classical distinction

Lower airspace

The lower airspace is defined in Germany and Austria as the airspace below flight level 245 (FL 245). The typical ICAO boundary between upper and lower airspace is at flight level 285

Upper airspace

The upper airspace defined in Germany and Austria as the airspace above FL 245 and classified as airspace Class Charlie ( up to FL 660, about unclassified ). In this controlled airspace Mark airways the major routes and figure are divided. They are assigned to the aircraft by the air traffic control and normally correspond to the submitted flight plan by the pilot.

Altitudes and air spaces in the USA

The airspace structure in the U.S. is different than in Germany. Although similar to the general vertical structure of the situation in Germany with class G at ground level and above class E. However, it follows from 18,000 ft MSL Class A and from FL 600 again class E. In addition, there are around airports zones of the classes D, C and B.

Airspace class A is between 18,000 ft MSL and FL 600 and is available exclusively for IFR traffic.

Airspace class B exists around the approximately 30 largest airports. It typically ranges from ground to 10,000 ft MSL and consists of multiple layers, the diameter of which increases with a greater height. The top layer typically has 30 miles in diameter.

• An entry permit is mandatory and can be refused by flight, unless that flight required (eg landing at the airport in the range of class B). In contrast, you have to be in the C and D airspace with ATC only in radio contact, explicit entry permit is not necessary.
• Not for sport pilots and student pilots (only with special permission ), ie at least PPL required
• In some, but not all, class B airspace is prohibited SVFR
• ATC is also available for VFR traffic altitude and course before

Minimum visibility for VFR is 3 miles and the pilot must keep clear of clouds. ATC ensures graduation to all aircraft (IFR and VFR).

Class C is an area around larger airports. It typically consists of a core with five miles in diameter and 4,000 ft elevation and a ring around this core with 10 miles in diameter, the ft to 4000 ft AGL is from 1200. In class C (and B) and VFR flights is an individual transponder code assigned, ie in addition to the equipment for Class D a transponder is required. Minimum visibility and cloud distances correspond to those of the airspace Class E. Class C ATC separates in both IFR IFR IFR than VFR traffic.

Class D airspace is an area around small airports, typically 5 miles in diameter and 2500ft high. In Class D ( as well as C, B and A) required radio contact with ATC, ie the aircraft must be equipped for VFR at least with a portable walkie-talkie. Minimum visibility and cloud distances correspond to those of airspace class E.

Class E is controlled airspace as in Germany, contact with ATC is voluntary. VFR traffic in Class E must have at least three miles visibility and 1000 ft, 500 ft and below 2000 ft horizontal distance to comply with clouds, over 10,000 ft MSL, the distances to enlarge 5 miles visibility and 1000 ft -1000 ft -1 Intl.

The boundary between Class G and Class E varies greatly and can only be determined by studying the corresponding cards. Typical heights for the beginning of class E are eg

• Ground for the immediate vicinity of airports with official instrument approaches
• 700 ft AGL for IFR flight paths
• 1200 ft AGL for air traffic streets and in the area of metropolitan areas
• Individual and highly variable from a few up to 1000 ft in the western states in places 12,000 ft MSL
• Generally 14,500 ft MSL, unless a lower amount is determined by other rules

Class F airspace is not available in the United States. Instead, airfields with official instrument approaches an air space E, which reaches to the ground.

Class G is uncontrolled airspace for VFR as in Germany, but also for self-responsible (ie not supported by the air traffic control) IFR flight. Minimum visibility for VFR day is below 10,000 ft MSL one mile ( ~ 1.6 km ) and clouds must not be touched. At night and in excess of 10,000 ft MSL same conditions as in Class E with some special rules apply.

Air surveillance

The air surveillance is perceived by both military and civilian institutions. On the civilian side, the air traffic in German airspace by DFS and EUROCONTROL, monitored in the Benelux countries by Belgocontrol LVNL and the Area Control Center Maastricht Eurocontrol, in Austria by Austro Control GmbH and in Switzerland and parts of southern Germany Skyguide.