Plain English Meaning

A controlled zone of airspace around medium-sized airports with a control tower and radar service. Pilots must talk to air traffic control and have a working transponder before entering it.

Full Definition

A category of controlled airspace surrounding airports that have an operational control tower, are serviced by a radar approach control, and meet a specific threshold of passenger enplanements or instrument operations. Class C airspace typically extends from the surface up to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation, and is generally configured as an inner core with a 5 from the surface upward, surrounded by an outer shelf with a 10 nautical mile radius starting at 1,200 feet above the . with must be before entering, and a transponder is required.