Airspace

From Free net encyclopedia

Airspace means the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a particular country on top of its territory and territorial waters or, more generally, any specific portion of the atmosphere.

Aviators divide airspace into three basic types:

• Uncontrolled airspace is airspace in which air traffic control does not exert any authority. It exists close to the ground or in mountainous terrain where safe flight under instrument flight rules (IFR) and radar coverage are impossible.

• Controlled airspace exists almost every place else. Air traffic control is capable of directing aircraft in this airspace (though does not necessarily do so).

• Special use airspace (SUA) refers to areas where flight is prohibited, restricted, or otherwise limited. In the U.S., SUAs are designated for reasons of national security, including routine military use. Areas are determined by the owning agency (Military or CAA(UK)/FAA(US)). One example of Prohibited airspace is the Mall area in Washington, D.C. which contains the White House and the US Capitol. Another example is that over Royal Palaces and Whitehall (Government buildings and 10 Downing Street) in the UK. Some SUAs, such as those associated with military exercises, are active only part-time, and others are full-time. SUAs are usually in controlled airpace. Temporary Flight Restrictions, imposed for reasons such as environmental emergency management or VIP protection, are not defined as SUAs.

References

• Description of US airspace: FAA Airman Information Manual

See also

• Airspace classesda:Luftrum

de:Luftraum fr:Espace aérien pl:Przestrzeń powietrzna pt:Espaço aéreo simple:Air space sl:Zračni prostor sv:Luftrum zh:领空