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Visibility and cloud clearances for operations conducted in Class E airspace are similar to those of the Class G airspace. If balloon operations are being conducted below 10,000 feet MSL, visibility is three statute miles and the basic VFR cloud clearance requirements of 1,000 feet above, 500 feet below, and 2,000 feet horizontal (remember the C152 mnemonic). Operations above 10,000 feet MSL require visibility of five statute miles and cloud clearance of 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and one statute mile horizontally. 

## Class D Airspace 

Class D is that airspace from the surface to 2,500 feet AGL (but charted in MSL) surrounding those airports that have an operational control tower. [Figures 5-2 and 5-5] The configuration of each Class D airspace area is individually tailored. When instrument procedures are published, the airspace is normally designed to contain the procedures. 

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Unless otherwise authorized, each aircraft must establish two-way radio communications with the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to entering the airspace and thereafter maintain those communications while in the airspace. Balloon pilots approaching Class D airspace should call the ATC facility at a point where, if entry is denied, a safe landing can still be executed. It is important to understand that if the controller responds to the initial radio call without using the balloon’s call sign, radio communications have not been established, and the balloon may not enter the Class D airspace. Many airports associated with Class D airspace do not operate on a 24-hour-a-day basis. When not in operation, the airspace will normally revert to Class E or G airspace, with no communications requirements. In either case, balloon pilots are reminded that, in the absence of an emergency situation, there is no absolute requirement to land at the airport associated with the Class D airspace. In most cases, the first radio call will be made at a distance of five statute miles from the airport. 

Balloon pilots operating in the vicinity of an airport should exercise discretion. While balloons indeed have the right of way over all powered aircraft as stated in Title 14 of the Code 

of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 91, section 91.113, a pilot would cause less disruption by landing well short of the airport. This is nothing more than common courtesy and common sense. The visibility requirement for Class D airspace is three statute miles; cloud clearances are the standard VFR 1,000/500/2,000. 

## Class C Airspace 

Class C airspace normally extends from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation surrounding those airports having an operational control tower, that are serviced by a radar approach control, and with a certain number of IFR or passenger operations. [Figures 5-2 and  5-6]  This airspace is charted in feet MSL, and is generally of a five NM radius surface area that extends from the surface to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation, and a 10 NM radius area that extends from 1,200 feet to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation. There is also a noncharted outer area with a 20 NM radius, which extends from the surface to 4,000 feet above the primary airport, and this area may include one or more satellite airports. [Figure 5-7] 

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