What is Class C Airspace?
Class C airspace surrounds medium-traffic commercial airports — typically extending from the surface to 4,000 ft AGL in a two-tier structure. Drones require LAANC authorization in Class C.
Class C airspace surrounds airports with operational control towers, radar approach control, and a certain volume of commercial traffic. Structurally simpler than Class B, it's typically a two-tier shape: a 5-nautical-mile-radius surface area extending up to 4,000 ft AGL, plus a 10 nautical mile shelf from 1,200 to 4,000 ft AGL.
Drone operations in Class C airspace require LAANC authorization. Per-cell ceilings are published in the UAS Facility Map — most cells offer 100–400 ft AGL automatic approval. Cells under approach paths or directly over the airport are typically 0 ft AGL.
Class C is depicted on sectionals as a solid magenta line.
What this means for pilots
Class C airports are common in mid-sized cities (Charlotte, Nashville, San Antonio, Tampa). LAANC ceilings are usually more permissive than Class B. Always verify the specific cell — even Class C has 0 ft cells under approach paths.
FAQ
What airports have Class C airspace?
Roughly 120 US airports — Charlotte (CLT), Nashville (BNA), Tampa (TPA), San Antonio (SAT), Tucson (TUS), and many similar mid-size commercial fields.
Class C vs Class B for drone pilots?
Both require LAANC. Class B has more 0 ft cells in the inner ring; Class C is generally more permissive but still has restricted approach paths.
Do I need to talk to the tower?
No. Drone pilots don't communicate with ATC — LAANC is the substitute permission mechanism.
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.