Which statement about Class E airspace is true?

• A. It is controlled airspace not A, B, C, or D, generally from 700 ft AGL to 18,000 ft MSL, and can begin at the surface around airports with instrument approaches.
• B. It is the same as Class B but with no entry requirements.
• C. It only exists above 60,000 ft MSL.
• D. It requires explicit IFR clearance at all times.

Answer: (A)

Class E is controlled airspace that isn’t designated as A, B, C, or D, and it serves as the primary airspace for IFR operations and transitions between other controlled airspace. In most areas the base is 700 feet above ground level, climbing up to the top at 18,000 feet MSL, where Class A begins. A key feature is that around airports with instrument approaches, Class E can begin at the surface, protecting the instrument procedures all the way to the ground. This setup makes it easier for IFR traffic to operate under ATC guidance while still allowing many VFR flights to operate with standard VFR weather minimums. The other statements don’t fit because Class B is a separate, more restrictive class requiring explicit ATC clearance to enter; Class E does not exist only above 60,000 feet; and you don’t need an explicit IFR clearance just to be in Class E—IFR flights are handled under ATC clearance within controlled airspace, but entry into Class E isn’t gated by an extra entry clearance.