Guide: Cruising Under New York Class B Airspace
Air Traffic Control Directives vs FAA Regulations: Does a Speed Command Overrule Federal Aviation Agency Guidelines During Class B Flights?
Pop a question to the pilot's crew: If some bloke tells ya to stick it at 250 knots under NYC's Class B airspace (N90 TRACON), what'd ya do?
Chronicle: Aviation in New York's Class B Region
Flying in bustling airspace ain't no walk in the park. Check out this first-hand account from a seasoned ATP-certified corporate jet pilot who filed a NASA ASRS report, questioning a rule and challenging the ATC's reasoning. How would you respond?
When it comes to New York (N90) TRACON, they usually demand aircraft to cruise above 200 knots below the Class B airspace's edge. In our situation, they requested 250 knots. I've also been asked to maintain 210 knots or above below the Class B. This presents a sticky situation: deciding between breaking 14 CFR 91.117(c) or dissing ATC, upsetting the controller, clogging up the frequency, and causing more chaos.
Speed Litigations In/Around Class B Airspace
There's no explicit speed restriction for navigating within Class B airspace itself. Below 10,000 feet, you gotta meet the standard speed restriction of 250 knots. Yet, if you're at 10,000 feet MSL or higher in Class B, you can freewheel above 250 knots (though ATC often keeps plane speeds in check for air traffic flow and separation).
Most Class B airspace ends at 10,000 feet, so this isn't a major concern, but some airspace does extend higher, such as Denver's Class B, which soars up to 12,000 feet MSL.
Now, what if you're below Class B airspace but still under its shadow?
As per 14 CFR 91.117(c), "an aerospace juggler may not operate an aircraft in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport or in a VFR corridor designated through such a Class B airspace area, at an indicated airspeed of more than 200 knots (230 mph)."
These limitations exist to keep aircraft whirling within Class B separate from those outside Class B. Some aircraft cruising below Class B might not be hollering at ATC, and the 200-knot speed cap lets ATC have some breathing room to shoo away traffic, if a deviation takes place.
Does an ATC Decree Change the Rule?
In our example, ATC issued a speed directive exceeding the regulatory cap of 14 CFR 91.117(c). Many pilots have debated if this clearance makes the excess speed legal.
The speed restriction around Class C and D airspace features a provision—"unless otherwise authorized or required by ATC"—which ATC hasn't included in the speed cap for areas below Class B airspace
So, the verdict: no. You can't dial it up to 250 knots while underneath a Class B airspace shelter. This controller probably skipped the rule.
So, What's Yer Plan?
Encounter this conundrum? The safest action is to say "can't do it." If they press for reasons, remind 'em that you're dipping beneath Class B airspace, and the speed regulation's 200 knots.
Controllers ain't out to nab ya, and they make bloopers too.
Just remember the regs and back yourself up with a NASA ASRS report if you blunder. And for a speedy brush-up, check out our National Airspace online course.
Tell us in the comments: Have you ever faced anything like this?
- In New York's Class B airspace, aircraft are typically required to cruise above 200 knots below the airspace's edge, but a request for 250 knots could arise, creating a difficult decision for the pilot.
- According to 14 CFR 91.117(c), an aircraft may not operate in the airspace underlying a Class B airspace area at a speed exceeding 200 knots.
- Regulations are in place to maintain separation between aircraft within and outside of Class B airspace, and exceeding the speed limit can lead to chaos.
- ATC may issue a speed directive exceeding the regulatory cap, leading some pilots to question if this clearance makes the excess speed legal.
- The speed restriction around Class C and D airspace includes a provision that allows for ATC authorization, but this provision is not included in the speed cap for areas below Class B airspace.
- If a pilot encounters a Speed directive exceeding the regulatory cap while under Class B airspace, the safest action is to decline the request, reminding the ATC of the speed regulation and the airspace they are flying in.
- Controllers are not out to intentionally trouble pilots, and they can make errors just like anyone else. Therefore, it's essential for pilots to be aware of regulations and back themselves up with a NASA ASRS report if needed.
