You’re setting up for the perfect drone shot when your app flashes a warning: “Controlled airspace ahead.” You check your altimeter, and you’re well under 400 feet.
So, you wonder how that could be possible?
The answer lies in Class E airspace, one of the most common yet misunderstood FAA airspace categories.
Unlike Class D or B, the boundaries of Class E airspace shift depending on location, its visibility requirements change with altitude, and it doesn’t always start at the same height. It can start at the surface, at 700 feet, or even at 1,200 feet AGL, depending on where you are.
For drone pilots, that means you could be in Class E without even realizing it.
This guide clears up that confusion.
In this article, we will dive deep into Class E Airspace—from where it begins, to when you need FAA authorization, and how it affects your daily flights. We’ll also examine the different types of Class E, visibility requirements, and exactly when and where you can fly.
Let’s start by understanding exactly what Class E airspace is.
What is Class E Airspace?
Class E airspace is one of the six FAA-designated controlled airspace classes in the U.S. It’s often informally referred to as “Class Everywhere” or “Class Eco” due to its widespread presence in the United States.
Class E covers most of the airspace between higher-altitude commercial traffic and lower-level recreational flights. Think of it as the bridge between controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
While Class E may be less restrictive than Class A, B, C, or D airspace, it still maintains specific FAA rules, especially regarding weather minimums, pilot certifications, and ATC services.
Understanding these rules is essential for safe and legal drone operations.
So, what are the key characteristics of this Class Eco airspace, and what should drone pilots keep in mind?
Let’s find out.
Understanding Class E Airspace Altitudes
One of the most confusing aspects of Class E airspace is where it begins. That’s because it doesn’t have a single, fixed starting altitude. The base of Class E airspace varies depending on its location, terrain, and purpose.
In certain areas, there is also Class E airspace above Flight Level 600 (approximately 60,000 feet MSL).
Class E airspace operates at different altitudes depending on its use.
| Boundary Type | Typical Limit | Purpose |
| Vertical limits (Altitude Boundaries)
Upper Limit |
Up to but not including 18,000 ft MSL |
Marks the top of Class E before Class A begins (FL180) |
| Lower Limit | 1,200 ft AGL | Standard floor in remote/rural areas for en route IFR traffic |
| 700 ft AGL | Common near non-towered airports to support published IFR approach and departure procedures | |
| 0 ft AGL (Surface) | Found only at some non-towered airports with Class E Surface Areas (E2) and published IFR operations | |
| Horizontal Limits | Varies by location and airspace structure | May form circular zones around airports, follow IFR airways, or extend across wide rural regions |
Class E Airspace Types
Before diving into the different types of Class E Airspace, let’s start with why this airspace exists in the first place.
Class E airspace was designed to manage and separate IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) and VFR (Visual Flight Rules) traffic. It allows Air Traffic Control (ATC) to maintain a level of oversight, even when you are outside the controlled zones of Class A, B, C, and D airspace.
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of Class E Airspace:
1. Class E Surface Areas (E2)
This type of airspace usually begins at the surface and is usually found around non-towered airports with published IFR procedures.
These surface areas provide controlled airspace from the ground up, allowing for safe takeoffs, landings, and maneuvering near airports.
If you’re flying drones in an E2 surface area under Part 107, you need FAA authorization (via LAANC or DroneZone), just like you would in Class D airspace.
2. Class E Transitional Areas (E3)
This type of airspace begins at 700 or 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL) and is positioned around airports. It typically allows a safe transition between the airport and higher altitudes to stay within controlled airspace.
Most of this airspace sits above your 400 ft flight ceiling. Flying drones in these areas sometimes requires additional caution and authorization.
3. Class E Extensions to a Surface Area (E4)
E4 airspace consists of narrow extensions stretching out from Class D or Class C airspace to facilitate safe arrivals and departures on a specific route.
Basically, these extensions allow for controlled space in specific directions without expanding the Class D or C airspace.
If you’re flying drones in these extensions at or above surface level, you’ll likely need LAANC approval.
4. Class E Enroute Airspace
En route airspace is designed to form safe travel corridors when flying at cruising altitudes.
This airspace stretches across the country alongside established airways and provides a safe zone when flying long distances.
It usually starts at 1,200 ft AGL and fills the space between Class G and Class A.
5. High Altitude Class E (Above FL 600)
This airspace extends from Flight Level 600 (approximately 60,000 feet) and above. This controlled airspace is used for specialized operations, including military testing and space operations. It ensures separation from commercial and general aviation traffic at lower altitudes.
This airspace is far above the altitude at which drones can operate. Still, it’s helpful to know it exists, especially as drone technology, high-altitude balloons, and near-space platforms continue to develop.
Here’s a table summarizing the Class E Airspace types:
| Class E Airspace Type | Description | Purpose |
| Class E Surface Areas (E2) | Begins at ground level around airports without control towers. | Provides controlled airspace for safe takeoffs, landings, and maneuvering near airports. |
| Class E Transition Areas (E3) | Starts at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL around airports. | Allows aircraft to transition safely between the airport and higher altitudes. |
| Class E Extensions to a Surface Area (E4) | Extensions of Class D or C airspace | Facilitates controlled arrivals and departures along specific routes without expanding Class D or C boundaries. |
| Class E En route Airspace | Covers extensive corridors at cruising altitudes across the country. | Provides safe zones for long-distance flights along established airways. |
| High Altitude Class E (Above FL 600) | Extends from 60,000 feet and higher. | Supports high-altitude operations, space activities, and military testing, keeping them separate from lower traffic. |
How Class E Airspace is Depicted on Sectional Charts
Three important Class E Airspace types are depicted on sectional charts using different color shades and patterns, indicating their boundaries and altitude levels.
1. Class E Surface Area (E2)
Sectional charts symbolize this airspace as dashed magenta lines, indicating that this area is controlled from the ground up.
2. Class E Transition Areas (E3)
This one can begin from 700 to 1,200 feet above AGL, so it’s depicted in two ways.
| 700 feet AGL | The thick shaded magenta band represents this area, indicating that Class E Airspace starts at 700 feet AGL around near-towered airports. |
| 1,200 feet AGL | The thick shaded blue band represents this area, indicating that Class E Airspace starts at this altitude in areas away from airports. |
3. Class E En route Airspace and Airspaces Above FL 600
No specific boundaries are used, as it often extends across wide airways and has no marked limits.
Class E Airspace Requirements for Drone Pilots
According to the FAA, Class E Airspace drone pilots must follow weather and visibility requirements to ensure safe flying operations.
As of September 2023, all Part 107 and recreational pilots must operate drones equipped with Remote ID or fly within an FAA-Recognized identification Area (FRIA). This requirement applies even in Class E airspace.
1. Class E Airspace Visibility Requirements and Weather Minimums
| Altitude | Visibility | Cloud Clearance |
| Below 10,000 feet MSL | 3 statute miles | Must remain 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds. |
| At or above 10,000 feet MSL | 5 statute miles | Must remain 1,000 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 1 statute mile horizontally from clouds. |
2. Drone Flying Authorization Requirements for Class E Airspace
In controlled Class E Airspace near airports, drone pilots may need prior flying authorization through the LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability).
LAANC provides access to certain Class E surface areas (E2), but only at participating airports listed in the FAA’s LAANC facility map. Not all Class E airports are LAANC-enabled, so availability depends on the specific location.
Most flight planning apps automatically check your Remote ID status and display live weather, NOTAMs, and airspace restrictions in real time. This makes preflight planning faster, but FAA rules still require you to confirm all conditions yourself before flying.
The following are the requirements:
- For Class E starting at 700 or 1,200 feet AGL, no prior authorization is required for drone operations.
- For surface Class E Airspace (E2), you must obtain prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC) before operating within this airspace.
- For Class En Route and transition areas (including E3 and E4), you don’t need prior authorization because they are long distances or used only for high-altitude aircraft.
- Night operations in Class E airspace: Drone pilots must follow additional requirements for night operations, including:
– Aircraft must be equipped with anti-collision lighting visible for 3 statute miles
– Pilots must complete additional night operations training under Part 107
– All other Class E weather minimums still apply
Note: Most drone operations occur below Class E airspace in many areas, as the typical 400-foot AGL ceiling for drone operations often places them in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
Conclusion
Class E Airspace might seem complex at first, but once you understand how its altitudes, types, and boundaries work, it becomes a part of your smart flight planning.
In 2025, the FAA has tightened drone regulations, and the skies are now shared by more crewed and uncrewed aircraft than ever. Whether you’re flying near a rural airport or operating in a surface Class E zone, understanding the limits is essential for legal and responsible operations.
With smarter tools like the FAA B4UFLY app, SkyGrid, and AirMap, staying compliant in Class E airspace is easier than ever. But it’s your knowledge that ensures every flight is planned and executed correctly
Want to learn more about airspaces, FAA regulations, and essential piloting skills to fly safely near controlled zones?
Explore our drone pilot training programs here.
FAQs
1. Do I need authorization to fly in all types of Class E Airspace?
No, you don’t need authorization to fly drones in all types of Class E Airspaces.
Just the surface Class E2 airspace with towered airports usually requires authorization from ATC because this airspace serves active airport operations.
2. What should I do if I need to fly in Class E Airspace near an airport?
If you want to fly a drone in a Class E Airspace type near airports, you must first verify the type of Class E Airspace you are in. Use the FAA’s B4UFLY app or Airmap to understand the exact authorization requirements.
Once confirmed that authorization is required in a specific area, you can quickly obtain approval for the LAANC-enabled areas by applying online.
If the area is not LAANC-enabled, visit the FAA’s Drone Zone to register and apply for airspace authorization.
3. What is the floor of Class E Airspace when designated in conjunction with an airway?
When Class E Airspace is designated in conjunction with an airway, the floor will typically start at 1,200 feet AGL.
However, in some populated or complex airspaces, the floor of Class E Airspace may begin at 700 feet AGL. This lower floor allows safe transitions when flying near airports.
4. Can I fly in Class E airspace at night?
Yes, but there are two important requirements.
Your drone must be equipped with anti-collision lights visible from at least 3 statute miles.
You must have completed the FAA’s night operations training, which became part of the updated Part 107 rules in 2021.
This applies to all controlled airspace, including Class E, and ensures safer operations after dark.
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