Aeronautical Information Manual
AIM 3-1-3
Hierarchy of Overlapping Airspace Designations
This reproduces published FAA reference text for study. It does not replace the current official FAA publication or regulation.
When overlapping airspace designations apply to the same airspace, the operating rules associated with the more restrictive airspace designation apply.
For the purpose of clarification: Class A airspace is more restrictive than Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, or Class G airspace;
Class B airspace is more restrictive than Class C, Class D, Class E, or Class G airspace;
Class C airspace is more restrictive than Class D, Class E, or Class G airspace;
Class D airspace is more restrictive than Class E or Class G airspace; and
Class E is more restrictive than Class G airspace.
Retrieved from ecfr.gov on July 20, 2026.