It depends on the type of Class E. Where Class E starts at 700 or 1,200 feet above the ground, a Part 107 pilot needs no ATC authorization. Inside the Class E surface area designated for an airport, shown by a dashed magenta line, 14 CFR 107.41 requires prior authorization from ATC.
The AIM describes Class E as controlled airspace designated for terminal or en route purposes. A surface area extends from the surface up to a designated altitude or to the overlying controlled airspace, and the airport must have weather observation and reporting capability to qualify. A Class E surface area may also be used for part-time operations at a Class C or Class D airport when the tower is closed, and its arrival extensions become part of the surface area. Transition areas start at 700 feet AGL or 1,200 feet AGL for airports with an approved instrument procedure and stay in effect continuously, regardless of airport hours. Federal airways are Class E from 1,200 feet AGL up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL.
On a sectional, Class E surface area is a dashed magenta line. The rest of Class E is shown by narrow vignettes: a magenta vignette for floors of 700 feet above the ground, a blue vignette for other floors that abut Class G, and a symbol with a number for floors above 700 feet. Where nothing is shown, Class E exists at 1,200 feet AGL. The AIM adds that arrival or through flight in Class E has no specific requirements for manned aircraft.
The authorization rule itself is explained on our 14 CFR 107.41 page, and weather minimums for a drone are on our visibility and cloud clearance page. For any Class E surface area, check the Chart Supplement airport entry: it states the surface area status, for example 'other times Class E'.
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC).
AIM 3-2-6, Class E Airspace
Class E surface areas extend upward from the surface to a designated altitude, or to the adjacent or overlying controlled airspace.
AIM 3-2-6, Class E Airspace
Class E transition areas extend upward from either 700 feet AGL (shown as magenta vignette on sectional charts) or 1,200 feet AGL (blue vignette) and are designated for airports with an approved instrument procedure.
Chart Users' Guide, Controlled Airspace
Class E Surface (SFC) Airspace is symbolized with a magenta dashed line.
Remote Pilot Study Guide, Class E Airspace
In most cases, a remote pilot will not need ATC authorization to operate in Class E airspace.
14 CFR 107.41 names only the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport, so the 700-foot and 1,200-foot Class E areas do not trigger it.
A dashed magenta line means Class E down to the surface; a faded magenta vignette means Class E begins at 700 feet AGL, and below it the airspace is Class G.
The AIM warns not to confuse the 700-foot and 1,200-foot Class E transition areas with surface areas or surface area extensions.
The 700-foot and 1,200-foot transition areas stay in effect continuously, regardless of airport operating hours or surface area status.
Quick quiz: 3 questions
Similar to the FAA test, not the actual test questions. Each answer shows its FAA source.
Question 1 of 3
Refer to the chart excerpt. What type of airspace is shown by the dashed magenta circle around MILLVILLE MUNI (MIV), and is ATC authorization required to operate a small UA there?
Tap the figure to open it full size.
A Class D airspace; ATC authorization is required.
B Class E surface area; ATC authorization is required.
C Class E airspace that begins at 700 feet AGL; ATC authorization is not required.
Show the answer
Answer: B. Class E surface area; ATC authorization is required.
A dashed magenta line marks Class E airspace that extends down to the surface around an airport. Millville has no control tower, so this is a Class E surface area and not Class D. Under 14 CFR 107.41 a remote pilot needs prior ATC authorization to fly a small UA within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class E airspace designated for an airport.
How do I know whether a Class E surface area is in effect all the time?
Check the airport page in the Chart Supplement. A Class C, D or E surface area that is not continuous changes to a Class E surface area or to Class G, and the entry states "other times Class E" or "other times Class G".
Federal airways and other low Class E run from their floor up to, but not including, 18,000 feet MSL, where Class A begins. Class E also exists from 14,500 feet MSL up to 18,000 feet MSL and above FL 600.
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