AIM

4/3/14

3−2−8

Controlled Airspace

State/City

Airport

VIRGINIA

Richmond . . . . . . . . . . . International
Norfolk . . . . . . . . . . . . . International
Roanoke . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional/Woodrum Field

WASHINGTON

Point Roberts . . . . . . . . Vancouver International
Spokane . . . . . . . . . . . . Fairchild AFB
Spokane . . . . . . . . . . . . International
Whidbey Island . . . . . . . NAS, Ault Field

WEST VIRGINIA

Charleston . . . . . . . . . . . Yeager

WISCONSIN

Green Bay . . . . . . . . . . . Austin Straubel International
Madison . . . . . . . . . . . . Dane County Regional−Traux

Field

Milwaukee . . . . . . . . . . General Mitchell International

3

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2

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5. Class D Airspace

a. Definition.

Generally, that airspace from the

surface to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation

(charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have

an operational control tower. The configuration of

each Class D airspace area is individually tailored and

when instrument procedures are published, the

airspace will normally be designed to contain the

procedures.

b. Operating Rules and Pilot/Equipment

Requirements:

1. Pilot Certification.

No specific certifica-

tion required.

2. Equipment.

Unless otherwise authorized

by ATC, an operable two−way radio is required.

3. Arrival or Through Flight Entry

Requirements.

Two−way radio communication

must be established with the ATC facility providing

ATC services prior to entry and thereafter maintain

those communications while in the Class D airspace.

Pilots of arriving aircraft should contact the control

tower on the publicized frequency and give their

position, altitude, destination, and any request(s).

Radio contact should be initiated far enough from the

Class D airspace boundary to preclude entering the

Class D airspace before two−way radio communica-

tions are established.

NOTE

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1. If the controller responds to a radio call with, “[aircraft
callsign] standby,” radio communications have been
established and the pilot can enter the Class D airspace.

2. If workload or traffic conditions prevent immediate
entry into Class D airspace, the controller will inform the
pilot to remain outside the Class D airspace until
conditions permit entry.

EXAMPLE

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1. “[Aircraft callsign] remain outside the Class Delta
airspace and standby.”
It is important to understand that if the controller responds
to the initial radio call without using the aircraft callsign,
radio communications have not been established and the
pilot may not enter the Class D airspace.

2. “Aircraft calling Manassas tower standby.”
At those airports where the control tower does not operate
24 hours a day, the operating hours of the tower will be
listed on the appropriate charts and in the A/FD. During
the hours the tower is not in operation, the Class E surface
area rules or a combination of Class E rules to 700 feet
above ground level and Class G rules to the surface will
become applicable. Check the A/FD for specifics.

4. Departures from:

(a)

A primary or satellite airport with an

operating control tower. Two-way radio communica-

tions must be established and maintained with the

control tower, and thereafter as instructed by ATC

while operating in the Class D airspace.

(b)

A satellite airport without an operating

control tower. Two-way radio communications must

be established as soon as practicable after departing

with the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the

Class D airspace as soon as practicable after

departing.

5. Aircraft Speed.

Unless otherwise autho-

rized or required by ATC, no person may operate an

aircraft at or below 2,500 feet above the surface

within 4 nautical miles of the primary airport of a

Class D airspace area at an indicated airspeed of more

than 200 knots (230 mph).

c.

Class D airspace areas are depicted on Sectional

and Terminal charts with blue segmented lines, and

on IFR En Route Lows with a boxed [D].

d.

Arrival extensions for instrument approach

procedures may be Class D or Class E airspace. As a

general rule, if all extensions are 2 miles or less, they

remain part of the Class D surface area. However, if

any one extension is greater than 2 miles, then all

extensions become Class E.

e. Separation for VFR Aircraft.

No separation

services are provided to VFR aircraft.