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The two categories of airspace

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 22 of 22 on Airspace / Classification. ACS element UA.II.A.K1 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONThe two categories into which all airspace is divided are

  1. Aregulatory and nonregulatory.
  2. Bcontrolled and uncontrolled airspace.
  3. Cspecial use and other airspace areas.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. regulatory and nonregulatory.

  • A — correct The study guide states that the two categories of airspace are regulatory and nonregulatory.
  • B — incorrect Controlled and uncontrolled are two of the four types of airspace found within the categories, not the categories themselves.
  • C — incorrect Special use and other airspace are also types of airspace within the two categories, not the categories themselves.

BACKGROUND

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) divides the National Airspace System first into two categories, regulatory and nonregulatory. Within those two categories there are four types of airspace: controlled, uncontrolled, special use, and other airspace. Which category and type applies to a given piece of airspace is dictated by the complexity or density of aircraft movements, the nature of the operations conducted within the airspace, the level of safety required, and national and public interest. The familiar letters Class B, C, D, E, and G identify classes of airspace that sit inside this larger structure. A remote pilot needs the structure in mind because it determines whether air traffic control (ATC) authorization is required before flying.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the layered vocabulary in order: two categories (regulatory, nonregulatory), then four types (controlled, uncontrolled, special use, other), then the lettered classes. Exam questions often swap a type for a category to see whether you know the difference.

KEY POINTS

  • The two categories of airspace are regulatory and nonregulatory.
  • Within those categories are four types: controlled, uncontrolled, special use, and other airspace.
  • Category and type are determined by traffic density, nature of operations, required safety level, and national and public interest.

SOURCES

  • FAA-G-8082-22 Remote Pilot Study Guide, Chapter 2 "Airspace Classification, Operating Requirements, and Flight Restrictions" — Introduction
Practice the Remote Pilot (Part 107) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON AIRSPACE / CLASSIFICATION

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.