Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What is not required for Class E airspace?

1. ATC Clearance

2. Entry communication for VFR

3. Equipment Requirement

4. Certificate Requirement

The correct answer is: ATC Clearance

In Class E airspace, pilots are not required to obtain an ATC clearance before operating within that space. This characteristic allows for greater flexibility and accessibility for both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. VFR pilots, in particular, can enter this airspace without prior permission from air traffic control, making it an area where the workload on both pilots and ATC can be reduced compared to more controlled airspace. While entry communication is encouraged for VFR operations to enhance situational awareness and safety, it is not mandated. Similarly, depending on specific segments of Class E airspace, there may be minimal equipment requirements, but generally, these are less stringent compared to Class A, B, or C airspace. Certificate requirements also do not apply uniformly across all Class E airspace, although suitable certification is necessary for pilots operating under IFR.