Lesson 5.0 Airport Operations & Airpspace

Lesson 5.0 – Airport Operations & Airspace

(Lesson Overview Page)

In the previous unit we studied the Federal Aviation Regulations that govern how we fly. Now we turn to the airports we operate from and the airspace system we fly through.

Understanding airport markings, signs, lighting, and traffic patterns — along with the different classes of airspace — is essential for safe and legal flight operations. These topics appear frequently on both the knowledge test and the practical test.

Work through these sub-lessons in order. Take time to visualize the airport environment and the airspace structure as you study.

In these sub-lessons you will learn:

• 5.1 Airport Markings, Signs & Lighting Runway and taxiway markings, airport signs, and lighting systems

• 5.2 Traffic Patterns & Airport Operations Standard traffic pattern procedures, radio communications, and right-of-way at airports

• 5.3 Airspace Classification Class A, B, C, D, E, and G airspace — dimensions, requirements, and operating rules

• 5.4 Special Use Airspace & Other Airspace Areas Restricted, Prohibited, MOAs, Alert Areas, Warning Areas, and TFRs

• 5.5 Airport/Facility Directory & Chart Reading How to use the Chart Supplement (AFD) and sectional charts for airport and airspace information

Master these topics and you will be much more comfortable operating at both towered and non-towered airports, and you will understand the airspace you are flying through. No collisions, no complaints from Air Traffic Control. Minimize trouble and catastrophe.