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Communication with tower

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Airspace, Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, Instrument Rating, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

The AIM states that when we are  outside the Class B, Class C, and class D surface areas, it is not necessary to request permission to leave the tower frequency. What is the definition of the SURFACE areas (i.e. the inner ring only)? Is it the airspace extending from the ground to the top of the airspace or is it the complete volume of the airspace of an airport (e.i. inner and outer rings?

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  1. Jim F. on Jul 16, 2013

    From the Pilot/Controller Glossary (I suggest you get one immediately if you don’t have one): “SURFACE AREA− The airspace contained by the lateral boundary of the Class B, C, D, or E airspace designated for an airport that begins at the surface and extends upward.”

    So yes, it’s only the inner ring. It’s the AREA of the airspace which touches the SURFACE. (I wonder how they came up with the name “surface area”??? lol)

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