Private Pilot Private Exam

What happens to the airspace designation when the control tower at an airport within Class D airspace ceases operation?

1. It stays as Class D airspace

2. It becomes Class G airspace

3. It reverts to Class E or a combination of Class E and G airspace

4. It is reassigned to Class A airspace

The correct answer is: It reverts to Class E or a combination of Class E and G airspace

When the control tower at an airport within Class D airspace ceases operation, the airspace designation changes to reflect the absence of air traffic control services. Specifically, the airspace typically transitions to Class E airspace or a combination of Class E and G airspace. Class D airspace is specifically designated for areas with an operational control tower, providing air traffic services to help manage aircraft operations in and around the vicinity of the airport. Once the control tower stops functioning, the need for Class D airspace diminishes because the structured air traffic control services are no longer available. As a result, the airspace reverts to Class E, which can accommodate IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) operations but does not require the same level of air traffic control as Class D. In many cases, outside the immediate vicinity of the airport, it may become Class G airspace, where no air traffic control services are provided at all. Thus, the answer reflects the nature of airspace classification based on the operational status of relevant control facilities. The option concerning Class A airspace is not correct because Class A airspace requires specific IFR flight rules and is managed by air traffic control. Since Class D airspace relies on having a control tower, its designation