What is a CTR (Control Zone)?

• A. A type of uncontrolled airspace near airports
• B. Controlled airspace extending upwards from the surface to a specified upper limit
• C. Airspace where VFR is mandatory only
• D. Airspace above FL600

Answer: (B)

A CTR is a block of controlled airspace that surrounds an airport, starting at the surface and rising up to a defined upper limit. This zoning purposefully concentrates air traffic near the airport so ATC can manage arrivals, departures, and ground movements safely. Within a CTR, air traffic control provides separation services and, in practice, aircraft must establish two-way communication and obtain clearance before entering. This distinguishes CTR from uncontrolled airspace, and it isn’t described by terms that imply only VFR rules or extreme upper altitudes like FL600.