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How Air Traffic Control Works

Airspace classes used in Australia

Picture showing Australian airspace map

Four of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) controlled airspace classes are used in Australia: A, C, D and E.

Uncontrolled Airspace (no separation service is provided by ATC ) is Class G.

Uses of each type of airspace:

Class A

High level enroute airspace. Well suited for modern passenger jets.

Class C

Surrounds major city airports starting at ground level.

Class D

This airspace is often used at smaller regional airports.
The upper boundary of Class D is usually 4500 feet (1368 m).

Class E

Australian Class E is mid-level enroute ‘controlled’ airspace. Its base is at 8500 feet (2584 m) within enroute secondary surveillance radar coverage.

Class G

Uncontrolled airspace. Flight Information Service and Traffic Information Service only..

Last Updated: March 18, 2010