3 things to remember about
class b airspace

What is Class B airspace?

Class B airspace is generally airspace from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the busiest airports in the USA. Each Class B airspace area is individually tailored, consists of a surface area and two or more layers (often resembling an upside-down wedding cake), and is designed to contain all published instrument procedures once an aircraft enters the airspace.

#1: ATC clearance to enter

VFR pilots must ensure they have specific clearance to "enter class bravo". Unlike Class C and D airports, two-way communications with ATC is not enought. IFR pilots are typically cleared as part of their ATC clearance on their flight plan. When if doubt, verify!

#2: VFR weather minimums

Class B weather minimum are 3 statute miles visibility and clear of clouds. If the numbers "3152" sound familiar, it is because those are the minimums for Class C, Class D and Class E (under 10,000 ft MSL). General aviation aircraft most often find themselves in those classes of airspace. But remember that Class B is different. The weather minimums are less restrictive because ATC keeps a very close eye on everything within the airspace and provides separation for both VFR and IFR traffic.

#3: Maximum speed limits

The indicated airspeed limit of 250 kts below 10,000 ft MSL still applies within Class B airspace. However, there is another speed limit that may sometimes be overlooked. Within the airspace underlying Class B airspace or in a VFR corridor designated through Class B airspace, the maximum indicated airspeed of is 200 kts.