📘14 CFR §61.95 — Operations in Class B Airspace and at Airports Within Class B Airspace

Plain-English Summary: Student pilots are generally prohibited from flying in Class B airspace or landing at airports located within Class B airspace. However, you can operate within Class B airspace or land at airports inside Class B if you've received specific ground and flight training and endorsements from your instructor.

Key Takeaways:

❌ General Restriction for Student Pilots: By default, student pilots are not permitted to operate an aircraft in Class B airspace or at airports located within Class B airspace.

✅ Special Training and Endorsements Required: To fly in Class B airspace or land at an airport within Class B airspace, a student pilot must receive specific training and endorsements from their authorized instructor.

✅ Endorsement Must Be Airport-Specific: The endorsement your instructor provides must explicitly state which airport within Class B airspace you are allowed to operate into or out of.

✅ Logbook Endorsements: Endorsements must be clearly documented in your logbook by your instructor. The training includes both ground and flight training specifically tailored for the Class B airspace you wish to operate in.

Real-World Scenario:

You're training at an airport close to Class B airspace (e.g., Detroit Metro - DTW). Even though you frequently fly near DTW, as a student pilot, you cannot enter its Class B airspace or land at DTW unless your instructor has provided you explicit training and a specific endorsement authorizing this.

CFI Teaching Tip:

Always clearly explain the distinction between general Class B operations and the specific permissions required for student pilots. Emphasize the importance of logging each endorsement carefully, clearly specifying both the airspace and airports authorized.

References:

• 14 CFR §61.95 – FAA eCFR: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-C/section-61.95

• FAA Advisory Circular AC 61-65 (Endorsement Examples): https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-65H.pdf