What flight rules are allowed in Class E airspace?

• A. IFR Only
• B. VFR Only
• C. VFR and IFR
• D. Neither VFR nor IFR

Answer: (C)

In Class E airspace, you can fly under either VFR or IFR. This type of controlled airspace is designed to accommodate IFR traffic—where ATC provides separation and clearances—while still allowing pilots to operate VFR when weather is suitable. So the rules you follow depend on which mode you’re using: IFR requires an ATC clearance and appropriate routing, while VFR is permitted as long as you meet the standard VFR weather minimums for the altitude and segment you’re in (for example, from 1,200 feet AGL up to 10,000 feet MSL the typical minimums are 3 statute miles of visibility and cloud clearance of 1,000 feet above, 1,000 feet below, and 1 mile horizontally). Because Class E supports both types of flight, the correct takeaway is that both VFR and IFR are allowed.