At what altitude do Control Area Extensions begin?

Control Area Extensions are designed to provide additional airspace to better manage air traffic, especially around busy airports. They typically begin at 2,200 feet above ground level (AGL). This altitude was established to create sufficient separation for aircraft flying in and out of controlled airspace near terminal areas, where the density of air traffic tends to be higher.

In addition to improving safety, this altitude ensures that pilots flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) are aware that they are entering an area where air traffic control (ATC) services may apply, and it helps prevent potential conflicts between VFR and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) traffic. By starting at 2,200 feet, the airspace also allows for clearer delineation between different types of air traffic and facilitates smoother transitions for aircraft entering controlled airspace.

Other options, such as 1,500 feet or 1,000 feet AGL, do not align with established aviation regulations, which specify that control area extensions occur at 2,200 feet to provide that necessary vertical separation.