Class E and Class G Airspace

Class E is controlled airspace. Class G is uncontrolled. The chart shows where Class E begins. Near Salinas, a magenta shaded area marks a floor of 700 feet. Inside the shaded area, Class E starts at 700 feet AGL. Outside the shaded area, Class E starts at 1,200 feet AGL. The legend says Class E exists at 1,200 feet AGL unless the chart shows otherwise.

Below those floors is Class G, from the surface up. A blue shaded area marks a Class E floor of 1,200 feet AGL or higher next to Class G. Near Salinas, this chart shows none. A magenta dashed line marks Class E that starts at the surface.

At Salinas, a magenta dashed extension runs southeast from the Class D. It is Class E from the surface up. Extensions protect instrument approaches. VFR pilots need no radio call to fly in them. Monterey has an extension too. It runs southeast from the Class C.

Salinas has no Class E surface area. When its tower closes, the surface there becomes Class G. The extension becomes Class G at the same time. Monterey is different. When its tower closes, the Class C surface area becomes a Class E surface area. Its extension stays in effect as Class E. Your VFR weather minimums change with the class. In Class E below 10,000 feet MSL, you need 3 miles visibility, and 500 below, 1,000 above and 2,000 feet horizontally from clouds.

In Class G at or below 1,200 feet AGL, by day you need 1 mile and clear of clouds. At night, it is 3 miles and the same cloud distances as Class E.