What is Class E Airspace?
Class E airspace is controlled airspace that encompasses most of the airspace in the United States. Unlike Class B, C, and D airspace which surround specific airports, Class E exists in multiple forms including surface areas, transition areas, and en route domestic airspace extending from 1,200 feet AGL up to 18,000 feet MSL.
Understanding Class E airspace is essential for drone pilots because it represents the most common type of controlled airspace you will encounter during commercial operations. While Class E does not always require prior authorization for drone flights, certain areas within Class E have specific requirements that pilots must understand to maintain Part 107 compliance.
This guide explains the different types of Class E airspace, how to identify them on sectional charts, and the specific rules drone pilots must follow when operating in these areas.
Table of contents
- What is Class E airspace
- Types of Class E airspace
- Identifying Class E on sectional charts
- Class E airspace drone rules
- LAANC authorization in Class E
- Class E vs other airspace classes
- Common scenarios for drone pilots
- Frequently asked questions
- Implementation considerations
- In summary
What is Class E airspace
Class E airspace serves as the default controlled airspace throughout the national airspace system. According to 14 CFR Part 71, Class E extends from 1,200 feet AGL up to 18,000 feet MSL in most areas of the continental United States.
For drone operators, the key consideration is whether Class E extends to the surface, which determines authorization requirements. Drone pilots must comply with Part 107 regulations and obtain authorization when operating in surface-level Class E areas.
Types of Class E airspace
Class E airspace exists in several distinct configurations, each serving different purposes within the national airspace system.
Surface Class E
Surface Class E airspace extends from the ground up, typically surrounding airports with approved instrument approaches but without operating control towers. Surface Class E is depicted on sectional charts with a dashed magenta line, typically extending in a 4-nautical-mile radius around the airport.
Transition areas
Transition Class E airspace begins at 700 feet AGL where airspace transitions from uncontrolled (Class G) to controlled status. On sectional charts, transition areas appear as magenta shading. Most airports with instrument procedures have transition areas extending outward.
En route Class E
The most common form of Class E airspace begins at 1,200 feet AGL and extends upward to 18,000 feet MSL throughout most of the United States. This en route airspace contains federal airways and provides controlled airspace for aircraft traveling between destinations.
In areas with higher terrain or special use requirements, Class E may begin at 14,500 feet MSL instead of 1,200 feet AGL.
Federal airways
Federal airways (Victor airways below 18,000 feet) exist within Class E airspace as defined corridors for IFR navigation. These airways are 8 nautical miles wide and centered on VOR navigation facilities.
Identifying Class E on sectional charts
Correctly identifying Class E airspace on aeronautical charts is a fundamental skill tested on the Part 107 exam. The FAA Aeronautical Chart User's Guide provides official reference material for chart interpretation.
Chart symbols and depictions
| Symbol | Description | Class E Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dashed magenta line | Surface Class E boundary | Starts at surface |
| Magenta shading | Transition area (700 ft AGL floor) | Starts at 700 ft |
| Blue shading | 1,200 ft AGL floor | Starts at 1,200 ft |
| No shading | Default (1,200 ft AGL floor) | Starts at 1,200 ft |
Reading surface Class E
When you see a dashed magenta line on a sectional chart, Class E airspace extends from the surface within that boundary. This is critical information for drone pilots because surface Class E typically requires LAANC authorization before flying.
Understanding transition areas
Magenta shading indicates where Class E begins at 700 feet AGL instead of the standard 1,200 feet. While this affects manned aircraft operations more significantly, drone pilots operating near these boundaries should understand the airspace structure for situational awareness.
Class E airspace drone rules
Drone operations in Class E airspace follow specific rules depending on where within Class E you intend to fly.
Surface Class E requirements
When operating within surface Class E airspace (dashed magenta boundaries), drone pilots must:
- Obtain prior authorization through LAANC or FAA DroneZone
- Maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft
- Yield right of way to all manned aircraft
- Follow all standard Part 107 operating rules
- Check for active NOTAMs affecting the area
Above surface Class E
When Class E begins above the surface (700 or 1,200 feet AGL floor), drone pilots operating at 400 feet AGL or below typically do not need authorization because they remain in Class G uncontrolled airspace. However, the 400-foot altitude limit still applies unless flying within 400 feet of a structure.
Weather minimums
Part 107 requires 3 statute miles visibility and specific cloud clearances regardless of airspace class. In Class E, you must maintain:
- 3 statute miles flight visibility
- 500 feet below clouds
- 2,000 feet horizontal distance from clouds
Check current conditions using METAR reports before every flight.
LAANC authorization in Class E
The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) system provides near-real-time authorization for drone flights in controlled airspace, including surface Class E areas.
When LAANC is required
LAANC authorization is required when operating within:
- Surface Class E airspace (dashed magenta boundaries)
- Any controlled airspace extending to the surface
- Areas with altitude restrictions below your intended flight altitude
LAANC approval process
The LAANC system evaluates authorization requests against UAS Facility Maps that define maximum altitudes. Many surface Class E areas have pre-approved altitudes enabling instant approvals. If LAANC cannot approve your request, submit a manual authorization through FAA DroneZone.
Areas without LAANC coverage
LAANC is currently available at over 726 airports nationwide. Some surface Class E airports lack coverage. For these locations, contact the airport operator or submit requests through FAA DroneZone with adequate lead time.
Class E vs other airspace classes
Understanding how Class E relates to other airspace classes helps drone pilots navigate the national airspace system effectively.
| Airspace | Typical Location | Authorization Required | LAANC Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class B | Major airports (LAX, JFK) | Yes, always | Yes |
| Class C | Medium airports | Yes, always | Yes |
| Class D | Towered airports | Yes, always | Yes |
| Class E (surface) | Non-towered airports | Yes | Usually |
| Class E (above surface) | Most US airspace | No (below floor) | N/A |
| Class G | Uncontrolled | No | N/A |
Class E vs Class D
Both Class E surface areas and Class D surround airports, but Class D exists at airports with operating control towers while surface Class E typically surrounds airports without active towers. The authorization process is similar for drone pilots in either class.
Class E vs Class G
Class G (uncontrolled) airspace exists below the floor of Class E airspace. In most areas, this means Class G extends from the surface to 1,200 feet AGL, then Class E begins. Since Part 107 limits drone operations to 400 feet AGL, most flights in rural areas remain entirely within Class G and require no airspace authorization.
Common scenarios for drone pilots
Practical application of Class E knowledge helps pilots plan compliant operations across various industries.
Rural operations
Most rural areas have Class E airspace beginning at 1,200 feet AGL, with Class G below. Drone pilots can operate without airspace authorization in these areas while following standard Part 107 rules. This makes rural construction and utility inspections straightforward from an airspace perspective.
Small airport operations
Non-towered airports with instrument approaches typically have surface Class E airspace requiring authorization. Before flying near any airport, verify the airspace classification and obtain necessary approvals through LAANC.
Transition area awareness
When flying in areas with 700-foot transition Class E, your drone operations at 400 feet or below remain in Class G uncontrolled airspace. However, understanding the overhead airspace helps maintain situational awareness, especially when manned aircraft may be conducting instrument approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need authorization to fly in Class E airspace?
Authorization requirements depend on where Class E begins. If operating in surface Class E (dashed magenta line), you need LAANC or FAA DroneZone authorization. If Class E begins at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL, operations at 400 feet or below remain in Class G and typically require no authorization. Always verify using current sectional charts and flight planning apps.
How do I identify Class E airspace on a sectional chart?
Surface Class E appears as a dashed magenta line. Transition areas (700 ft floor) show as magenta shading. Areas with a 1,200 foot floor may show as blue shading or no shading depending on surrounding airspace. Complete your pre-flight checklist including airspace verification before every mission.
What altitude can I fly in Class E airspace?
Part 107 limits all drone operations to 400 feet AGL regardless of airspace class. In Class E surface areas, LAANC may approve lower altitudes based on UAS Facility Maps. Always request authorization for your intended flight altitude and comply with any altitude restrictions in your approval.
What is the difference between surface and transition Class E?
Surface Class E extends from ground level, requiring authorization for drone flights. Transition Class E begins at 700 feet AGL, meaning drone operations below that altitude occur in Class G uncontrolled airspace and typically need no authorization. The chart depiction differs: dashed magenta line for surface, magenta shading for transition areas.
Implementation considerations
Effective drone flight planning requires systematic airspace verification before every mission. Build airspace checks into your standard operating procedures to ensure consistent compliance.
Start each mission planning session by identifying the airspace classification for your intended operating area. Use current sectional charts or approved flight planning applications that display airspace boundaries and authorization requirements. When surface Class E is present, submit LAANC requests before traveling to the job site.
Document your airspace research and authorizations as part of mission records. This documentation supports professional operations and demonstrates regulatory compliance to clients and authorities.
In summary
Class E airspace represents the most common controlled airspace drone pilots encounter, existing in multiple forms from surface level to 18,000 feet. The key distinction for drone operations is whether Class E extends to the surface, which determines authorization requirements.
Surface Class E areas require LAANC or DroneZone authorization before flight. Areas where Class E begins above the surface (700 or 1,200 feet AGL) allow drone operations in the underlying Class G airspace without authorization, provided you stay below 400 feet AGL.
Accurate chart reading skills and systematic pre-flight planning ensure compliant operations across all airspace types. Understanding Class E prepares you for the majority of commercial drone operations and supports success on the Part 107 knowledge test.
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