Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Class C airspace generally extends from the surface to what altitude above the airport elevation?

1. 2,500 feet

2. 4,000 feet

3. 10,000 feet

4. 14,500 feet

The correct answer is: 4,000 feet

Class C airspace typically extends from the surface up to an altitude of 4,000 feet above the airport elevation. This structure is designed to provide controlled airspace for airports with a moderate level of traffic. The Class C airspace is established to manage effectively the aircraft operations near busy airports, facilitating both departures and arrivals safely. The dimensions of Class C airspace include a core area, which usually extends from the surface up to 4,000 feet AGL, and a shelf area that typically starts at 1,200 feet AGL and goes up to the top of the airspace. Understanding these vertical limits is crucial for pilots to ensure compliance with airspace regulations and to maintain safe distances from ground operations, as well as from other aircraft. The other altitude choices do not accurately represent the standard limits of Class C airspace. For example, 2,500 feet and 10,000 feet above the airport elevation fall outside the established boundaries, and 14,500 feet is too high, as it exceeds the vertical limits prescribed for Class C airspace.