Class A is the high-altitude airspace where jets cruise. Student pilots rarely fly there, but you'll be tested on it, and if you're aiming for the airlines, it's where you'll spend your career.
Where Class A Starts And Ends
In the continental United States, Class A runs from 18,000 feet MSL up to and including flight level 600 (about 60,000 feet). You won't see it drawn on a sectional chart, because it covers the whole country above 18,000 feet. See all airspace classes explained.
The Rules For Class A
- IFR only: Every flight needs an IFR clearance. VFR flight isn't allowed.
- Instrument rating: The pilot must be instrument rated.
- Equipment: A two-way radio on the ATC frequency, a Mode C transponder and ADS-B Out.
These rules are in 14 CFR 91.135 and 91.225.
Flight Levels And 29.92
Below 18,000 feet, pilots set their altimeter to the local pressure from the nearest station. At 18,000 feet everyone switches to the standard setting of 29.92 inches. From there, altitudes are called flight levels. FL350 means 35,000 feet on a standard altimeter. Because everyone uses the same setting, airplanes stay safely apart even as local pressure changes along the route.
How Pilots Get To Class A
The path runs through the instrument rating. At You Fly LA, students start with a private pilot certificate at Van Nuys, then add an instrument rating, using our full-motion simulator for part of the training. The airline pilot program continues through commercial and instructor ratings to the hours airlines require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Fly VFR In Class A Airspace?
No. Every flight in Class A is under instrument flight rules with an ATC clearance.
Is Class A The Same Everywhere In The US?
In the 48 contiguous states and most of Alaska, yes. It also covers airspace over the waters within 12 nautical miles of the coast.
Can A Small Airplane Fly In Class A?
Yes, if it's equipped and the pilot is instrument rated and on an IFR clearance. Most training airplanes can't climb that high.