Plain English Meaning

The protected airspace built around the country's biggest, busiest airports. You cannot fly into it without first being cleared in by air traffic control, and once inside, controllers keep aircraft apart from each other.

Full Definition

Controlled airspace surrounding the nation's busiest airports, generally from the surface up to 10,000 feet MSL, shaped to the operational needs of the airport. Each Class B area is individually tailored and typically resembles an upside-down wedding cake. An ATC clearance is required to enter, and all aircraft within Class B receive separation services from ATC.

Context Anchor

You will see Class B airspace areas on aviation charts and in rules about ATC clearance, , equipment, and near major airports.