3.2 Controlled Airspace (Classes A through E)

This lesson covers the specific entry requirements and restrictions for the five classes of controlled airspace.

1. High Level & Transition Airspace

Class A

Class A airspace is restricted to IFR traffic, so HGs/PGs are not allowed.

It exists:

• Everywhere over 18,000 ft ASL in the SDA.
• Over FL 230 or FL 280 in the NDA.

It does not specifically appear on VNC charts.

Class B

Class B airspace exists above other controlled airspace between 12,500 ft ASL and 18,000 ft ASL everywhere in Canada.

To be more precise, Class B Airspace exists above controlled airspace above 12,500 ASL or above the Minimum Enroute Altitude (MEA), whichever is the highest.

What is an MEA?

Aircraft flying cross-country must have a direct line of sight to a ground-based radio navigation aid and an ATC radio. When flying over mountains, an aircraft may have to fly higher to maintain line-of-sight.

The lowest altitude clear of obstacles where these lines of sight can be maintained is called the MEA.

MEAs are not shown on VNCs (only on IFR charts). For example, the MEA is above 12,500 ft ASL around Golden, BC, meaning Class E airspace extends above 12,500 ft ASL there.

Both IFR and VFR aircraft are allowed in Class B. There is nothing in the CARs that specifically exclude HG in Class B airspace. However, like other VFR traffic, a HG must obtain a clearance from ATC to enter Class B airspace as well as meet other conditions that are somewhat impractical, albeit not impossible, for a hang glider.

Did you know?

Some of these conditions above can be waived by NavCan in special circumstances such as competitions if such things are pre-arranged. That is true for other types of airspaces as well.

2. Terminal & Control Zone Airspace (Class C & D)

Class C and D airspaces exist in Control Zones (CZs) and Terminal Control Areas (TCAs) around airports (Class C around major airports, Class D around some airports). Both IFR and VFR aircraft are allowed, and there is nothing in the CARs that specifically excludes hang gliders from either.

Common Requirements for Class C & D

• Radio requirement: You must establish two-way radio contact with the appropriate ATC unit (the tower for a CZ, or the terminal for a TCA) before entering either airspace.
• Separation: ATC provides conflict resolution between IFR and VFR traffic, but not between VFR and other VFR traffic.

Note

If you do not have a radio, you can request and possibly obtain permission from ATC before your flight to enter Class C or D airspace.

Differences

While the communication requirements look identical, the difference in how you are legally allowed to enter these two airspaces is important:

• Class C: You must obtain an explicit ATC clearance before entering. ATC can deny you entry even if you meet all the conditions to be there.
• Class D: You must establish two-way communications prior to entering. Once communications are established, ATC cannot deny you entry.

Note

The difference between flying in Class C and Class D airspace is subtle.

• In Class C, ATC can deny a pilot the clearance to fly in the airspace even if the pilot meets the conditions to do so.
• In Class D, ATC cannot deny a pilot the clearance to fly in the airspace if the pilot meets the conditions to do so.
• It is not impossible that ATC will allow a hang glider to operate within Class C airspace.

3. Class E Airspace & The Hang Glider Rule

Class E is designated where an operational need exists for controlled airspace but does not meet the requirements for Class A, B, C or D.

It is found in low-level airways, control area extensions, transition areas, or CZs without an operating control tower.

ATC separation is provided only to IFR aircraft; there are no special requirements for VFR aircraft.

However, you may operate a hang glider in Class E airspace ONLY IF:

• The pilot is at least 16 years of age.
• The pilot is in possession of a Category 1, 3 or 4 medical certificate.
• The pilot has passed the HAGAR examination, or is exempt from writing it.
• The hang glider is equipped with a magnetic compass and altimeter.
• The flight is a cross-country flight.
• The pilot must inform the nearest Air Traffic Services (ATS) unit of the time of departure and estimated duration of the flight in Class E airspace.

Note

The HPAC submitted amendments to the CARs in 2000 to remove the ATS requirement and replace the compass requirement with a requirement to carry a GPS. These were approved but as of 2026have still not been implemented by Justice Canada.

Also note that the CARs specify these conditions for Class E, but do not specify them for Classes C and D. In theory, you could fly in C and D without HAGAR. This is an inconsistency in the CARs.