A chart shows a VFR corridor through Class B airspace above a riverfront site. A remote pilot reasons that, because manned aircraft fly the corridor without an ATC clearance, flying the small UA at 200 feet AGL below it needs no ATC authorization. Why is this reasoning flawed?
- AA VFR corridor is open only to aircraft with an operating transponder
- BA VFR corridor extends to the surface, but only manned aircraft may use it
- CA VFR corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. A VFR corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface
A VFR corridor is airspace through Class B airspace, with defined vertical and lateral boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance. It is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not reach the surface like a VFR Flyway. The corridor therefore gives no basis for a low-level flight below it; the remote pilot must determine the airspace at the flight altitude, and §107.41 requires authorization in Class B.
- A. Incorrect. Wrong. The AIM says aircraft may operate in a corridor without an ATC clearance or communication; it states no transponder condition for corridors.
- B. Incorrect. Wrong. The AIM says a corridor does not extend down to the surface.
- C. Correct. The corridor is a hole through Class B with defined vertical and lateral limits, surrounded on all sides by Class B, so it does not create a clearance-free gap at ground level.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 3-5-5b2 A corridor is surrounded on all sides by Class B airspace and does not extend down to the surface like a VFR Flyway.
Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Basic with Changes 1, 2 and 3, 3-5-5b1 A VFR corridor is defined as airspace through Class B airspace, with defined vertical and lateral boundaries, in which aircraft may operate without an ATC clearance or communication with air traffic control.
14 CFR Part 107 (eCFR), §107.41 No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC).