Training and Safety Tip: Be your own sheriff
I shudder when I overhear a young flight instructor tell a student that Class G airspace is the “wild west,” as if anything goes and there are no rules. Not true, because, trust me, there’s more than one sheriff in this boomtown.
Now, if you are reading this and are new to airspace, Class G—sometimes referred to as "Class Golf," is the ground floor of the national airspace system. It is the lowest layer of airspace and the least controlled. In fact, Class G is defined as “uncontrolled” airspace. But that does not mean anarchy rules supreme. The "uncontrolled" in this airspace only refers to the absence of certain air traffic control responsibilities, and every inch is governed by regulations.
But here’s the thing: A lot of people actually live in Class G airspace. In fact, I think it’s safe to say the majority of houses in the United States are in uncontrolled airspace, with only the homes built within a few miles of the nearest airport located in other types of airspace. There are many rules that apply to how we fly in Class G, such as FAR Part 91.119, which establishes how high you need to be above those houses. And their cars. And their boats. Oh, and the people themselves. This is hardly a lawless airspace.
Then there are statutory weather minimums for flying under visual flight rules in Class G airspace, found in FAR 91.155. Six different weather minimums apply in this kind of airspace, more than for any other kind.
The right-of-way rules are also in effect in "wild" Class G, along with the speed limit found in 91.117, the required equipment in 91.205, the broken equipment limitations in 91.213, the lighting requirements in 91.209, all the pilot certification regulations, and don’t even get me started on temporary flight restrictions.
So uncontrolled doesn’t mean lawless. And as most flights either start, end, or pass through Class G airspace, you need to know the laws of the land… uh…. sky.
