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Airspace guide

Introduction

Like most other countries that apply ICAO regulations Canada has 7 different types of airspace, named A through G.

Below you will find a brief explanation of each class of airspace. They are all different from each other, getting more and more restrictive as you move up from class G to class A. (It will probably be easier to read the document from the bottom up)

On the right you will find a diagram outlining the different airspaces. It depicts where you would typically find the given class of airspace.

(Note: The following descriptions are valid for southern domestic airspace only.)

Class A airspace

Class A airspace extends from FL180 to FL600. Class A airspace is transponder airspace.

• IFR flights require clearance to operate within class A airspace, and are provided full traffic control service.
  
  
• VFR flights are not permitted to operate within class A airspace.

Class B airspace

Class B airspace extends from 12'501ft to below FL180. Class B airspace is transponder airspace.

• IFR flights require clearance to operate within class B airspace, and are provided full traffic control service.
  
  
• VFR flights require clearance to penetrate and operate within class B airspace, and once inside are provided with full traffic control (just like IFR). They are designated CVFR for Controlled VFR.
  
  This means that they must request clearance for all altitude or heading change, and must comply with ATC instructions. CVFR flights may be vectored, and given speed/altitude instructions provided they stay clear of cloud. The pilot must inform you if he can not comply with an instruction.

Class C airspace

Class C airspace is found in some larger TCAs. It will extend in the upside-down wedding cake shape up to 12'500ft. Class C airspace is transponder airspace.

• IFR flights require clearance to operate within class C airspace, and are provided full control service.
  
  
• VFR flights require clearance to penetrate and operate within class C airspace, and once inside can be assigned general altitude/heading restrictions, but are still not controlled in the IFR sense of the word, and therefore can not be ordered around like IFR aircraft. (e.g. maintain 2500ft, follow the 101 highway to exit over sometown)
  Conflict resolution (avoidance instructions) are provided upon request, and flights should always be advised of nearby traffic, just like flight following.
  
  If workload is too high VFR flights can be denied access to class C airspace.

Class D airspace

Class D airspace is found in some larger TCAs. It will extend in the upside-down wedding cake shape up to 12'500ft. Class D airspace can be designated transponder airspace, although some in airports having a transponder won't be mandatory.

• IFR flights require clearance to operate within class D airspace, and are provided full control service.
  
  
• VFR flights must make contact with the appropriate ATS unit before entering, but do not require a clearance to penetrate and operate within class D airspace.
  Pilots flying in class D airspace will proceed on own navigation, but you can assign altitude/heading restrictions if required for IFR traffic separation (such as "not above 2000ft until advised") Note this doesn't mean that the pilot has to maintain 2000, but manoeuvre at own discretion as long as he doesn't climb above 2000ft.
  When workload permits conflict resolution (avoidance instructions) are provided upon request, and flights should always be advised of nearby traffic, just like flight following.
  
  If workload is too high VFR flights can be denied access to class D airspace.

Class E airspace

All low-level controlled airspace that has not been designated class B/C/D is class E. This includes all Victor airways, and some smaller Terminal control areas. Unless otherwise published, class E airspace extends from 2200ft AGL to 12"500ft AMSL. Some class E TCAs can be designated transponder airspace.

• IFR flights require clearance to operate within class E airspace, and are provided full control service. However in VMC the pilot is expected to keep a look out for VFR traffic that may not be talking to ATC.
  
  
• VFR flights do not require any authorization to operate within class E airspace, and ATC has no authority over the aircraft's manoeuvres. However VFR traffic may request flight following where they will rely on you to advise them of nearby traffic. However if workload is too high you can refuse this service.
  Although you don't have the authority to impose restrictions on VFR flights you can always give suggestions, or request the pilot restrict his climb to let an IFR flight go by. But if he doesn't want to it's the IFR flight that will be making the detour.
  
  Some class E airspace in direct proximity of a large aerodrome will be classified as transponder airspace. (on IVAO) This obliges the pilot to squawk mode C when in the zone. However he is not obliged to contact you.

Class F airspace

Class F airspace is uncontrolled, special use airspace. In Canada it comes in 2 flavours:

1. CYR - Restricted. No unauthorized aircraft may penetrate this zone.
   
2. CYA - Advisory. The area is hazardous to the operation of civil aircraft, and therefore penetrating the zone is not recommended. However you may still fly through, but it's not ATC's problem to provide separation anymore.

Occasionally some airspace will be temporarily designated CYA or CYR. This will be done by NOTAM.

Airspace can be designated advisory or restricted for military operations, or due to hazards (forest fires, experimental aircraft testing, training, soaring, etc.). The airspace can be active 24/7, or only during certain periods of the day, or maybe only by NOTAM.

On IVAO we try as much as possible to simulate reality, so always check for any relevant NOTAMS before opening your station. If a CYA/CYR is active put a remark in your ATIS, and control aircraft accordingly.

Class G airspace

Class G airspace is quite simply uncontrolled. ATC does not have the authority, or obligation to provide service for anyone.

• IFR flights do not require clearance to operate within class G airspace, however they are required to file a flight plan with the appropriate FIC and proceed in accordance with all IFR procedures.
  The only information service available is provided by the appropriate FIC on 126.7. (Since 126.7 is also the traffic advisory frequency they will be able to give you an idea if any known traffic is operating in the area, and they will have all IFR flight plans on file.)
  
  
• VFR flights require no clearance whatsoever to operate in class G airspace, but must remain VMC at all times. The only information service available is provided by the appropriate FIC on 126.7.
  (Since 126.7 is also the traffic advisory frequency they will be able to give you an idea if any known traffic is operating in the area)

Some remote parts of Canada are class G airspace below FL180 These areas are tinted green on the Low IFR en-route charts. Airspace that's class G to 12'500 and class B above that is tinted green, with white lines.