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3 Answers

Class of airspace when the tower is closed

Asked by: 17116 views Airspace

When the tower is closed for the night at a Class D airport, what class does the airspace revert to? E? G?

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3 Answers



  1. Brad on Nov 14, 2011

    AIM 3-2-5: Class D Airspace says…
    “At those airports where the control tower does not operate 24 hours a day, the operating hours of the tower will be listed on the appropriate charts and in the A/FD. During the hours the tower is not in operation, the Class E surface area rules or a combination of Class E rules to 700 feet above ground level and Class G rules to the surface will become applicable. Check the A/FD for specifics.”

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  2. Nathan Parker on Nov 14, 2011

    It varies per location, and the AF/D will tell you.  Establishing a Class E surface area requires weather reporting and air/ground communication with ATC.  If either of those conditions is not fullfilled, then Class G will prevail.

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  3. David BRAULT on Mar 10, 2013

    So what happens to a class c when the tower is furloughed? I.E. April 7th 2013 when Pittsburg pa ,tuscon az, and others? Airport facilities directory again?

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