What is Class E Airspace?
Class E airspace is controlled airspace that exists everywhere above 14,500 ft MSL and in lower altitude shelves around airports. Most US airspace below 18,000 ft is Class E.
Class E is the FAA's catch-all controlled airspace. Above 14,500 ft MSL, all US airspace is Class E (except where higher classes override). Below that, Class E exists in patches: federal airways (along VOR routes), surface areas around non-towered airports with instrument approaches, and as the layer below 18,000 ft MSL outside other airspace.
For drones, Class E surface areas matter. These are designated zones around non-towered airports with instrument approaches — they require LAANC authorization for drone flight. Class E above 700 ft AGL (the most common shelf) doesn't require LAANC for drone flight because drones aren't permitted above 400 ft AGL anyway.
Class E surface areas are depicted on sectionals as dashed magenta lines.
What this means for pilots
If you're flying near a non-towered airport with an instrument approach (most regional and commuter fields), you may be in Class E surface area requiring LAANC. Check the sectional or use an airspace tool — Class E surface is the most-overlooked category for drone pilots used to flying near major airports.
FAQ
Do I need LAANC in Class E above 700 ft?
No, because drones can't fly above 400 ft AGL under Part 107. The 700 ft floor is irrelevant to drone operations.
Class E surface area — how do I tell?
Dashed magenta line on sectional charts. Use Altoa's airspace check or the FAA UAS Facility Map.
Is uncontrolled airspace ever Class E?
No. Class E is controlled airspace. Uncontrolled is Class G.
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.