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Aviation glossary

Class D Airspace

What is Class D airspace?

FAA handbook figure illustrating Class D airspace

Class D airspace generally extends from the surface up to 2,500 feet above the airport elevation (though it's charted in MSL, mean sea level) and surrounds airports that have an operational control tower. Each Class D area is individually tailored in shape to fit the airport it serves. To enter, you must establish two-way radio communication with the tower before reaching the airspace, and VFR minimums are 3 statute miles visibility with cloud clearances of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontal. Think of it as the "control tower bubble" around smaller towered airports.

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