f14av8r
Well Known Member
My question / issue regards aerobatic flight BELOW the shelf of Class B airspace. I live on the outskirts of Tampa. My field is under the Class B shelf. My preferred aerobatic area, about 5 miles away, is also under the shelf which extends up to 6000' in that area. I know this issue has been discussed extensively. But, I'm still having a hard time finding a definitive answer to the question of aerobatics UNDER the Class B shelf. The language in the reg says aerobatic flight is prohibited "Within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport."
My question hinges, I think, on the use of the words "surface area" in the reg. If surface means to constrain the lateral boundaries statement only to those areas of the airspace which touch the ground, then one would think you could do aerobatics below the shelf, in areas that don't touch the ground, while meeting all the other requirements. Since the lateral limits don't reach the ground (surface area) that area wouldn't be included in the prohibition.
I could probably answer this question and get on record with the FSDO by asking the question to them directly but I'm hesitant to do so for a few reasons. First, my local FSDO might give their interpretation but might miss the mark on getting it correct as determined by the Administrator. Second, they might look at my previous flights (thanks ADSB) and determine I violated the reg. Thirdly, I'm always afraid to raise my head above the foxhole when it comes to our FAA friends.
Your thoughts?
My question hinges, I think, on the use of the words "surface area" in the reg. If surface means to constrain the lateral boundaries statement only to those areas of the airspace which touch the ground, then one would think you could do aerobatics below the shelf, in areas that don't touch the ground, while meeting all the other requirements. Since the lateral limits don't reach the ground (surface area) that area wouldn't be included in the prohibition.
I could probably answer this question and get on record with the FSDO by asking the question to them directly but I'm hesitant to do so for a few reasons. First, my local FSDO might give their interpretation but might miss the mark on getting it correct as determined by the Administrator. Second, they might look at my previous flights (thanks ADSB) and determine I violated the reg. Thirdly, I'm always afraid to raise my head above the foxhole when it comes to our FAA friends.
Your thoughts?