(Refer to Figure 71.) Near Pleasant Grove, east-northeast of Sacramento International, the Class C sector is labeled 41 over 16. The ground there is about 50 feet MSL. A remote pilot flies at 400 feet AGL. Where is the aircraft relative to the Class C airspace?
- AInside it, because everything within the outer Class C circle begins at the surface
- BInside it, because the aircraft is below the Class C ceiling of 4,100 feet MSL
- CBelow it, because the Class C floor in this sector is 1,600 feet MSL
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Below it, because the Class C floor in this sector is 1,600 feet MSL
Class C figures show the MSL ceiling over the MSL floor with the last two zeros removed. 41 over 16 is 1,600 to 4,100 feet MSL. The aircraft at about 450 feet MSL is below this shelf, so it is not in the Class C airspace.
- A. Incorrect. Only sectors labeled SFC begin at the surface. This sector has a floor of 16, which is 1,600 feet MSL.
- B. Incorrect. Being below the ceiling is not enough. The aircraft must also be above the floor, which here is 1,600 feet MSL.
- C. Correct. 41 over 16 means Class C from 1,600 to 4,100 feet MSL. At about 450 feet MSL (50 + 400) the aircraft is under the shelf.
Marked on Figure 71: Sacramento Intl Class C shelf 41/16 near Pleasant Grove.
Source
FAA Chart Users' Guide (Aeronautical Chart User's Guide), complete, VFR Terms and Symbols, Airspace: Class C Class C Airspace is shown on Sectionals and TACs. The MSL ceiling and floor altitudes of each sector are shown in solid magenta figures with the last two zeros eliminated.