Zones

Zones #

How to interpret zones as well as sectional charts for Canada & USA.

Canadian Airspaces #

General #

Good way to remember Canadian zones:

  • A - Above (18000+)
  • B - Between (12500 and 18000) in most places
  • C - Clearance required
  • D - Direct 2 way communication
  • E - Everyone
  • F - Forbidden
  • G - Go for it!

CANADIAN: A Zone #

  • Not shown on sectional
  • Not really applicable. IFR ONLY and from 18,000ft to 60,000ft$

CANADIAN: B Zone #

  • Not really shown on sectional, space between 12,500ft to 18,000ft.

CANADIAN: C Zone #

  • Most / all major airports (Windsor, London, Toronto, etc.)

  • ATC makes sure IFR aircraft keep distance but NOT VFR.

  • Approx 20NM: MUST communicate to tower before entering

  • Requires ATC clearance

CANADIAN: D Zone #

  • Smaller airports

  • Same rings as Class C

  • Plane separation equipment / workload permitting

  • Approx 5-15NM: MUST communicate to tower before entering

  • Requires two-way communication with ATC (not necessarily clearance)

CANADIAN: E ZONE #

  • Control zone without a tower
  • Often advise on a certain frequency intentions
  • Dashed line

CANADIAN: F ZONE #

  • Special use
  • Restricted
  • Military

American Airspaces #

AMERICAN: B ZONE #

  • LARGE airports like Detroit
  • Shown with large rings. Each ring has a designated number (ex. 100/40) which is from 4,000ft to 10,000ft where the zone is.
  • ATC gives instructions on how to keep safe distance from other aircraft
  • MUST communicate to tower before entering
  • Requires ATC clearance