What defines Class C airspace?

Class C airspace is specifically defined as the airspace surrounding busy airports that have operational control towers. It typically extends from the surface up to a designated altitude, usually 4,000 feet above the airport elevation. This classification ensures that commercial and high-traffic airports maintain an organized flow of air traffic, enhancing safety for both aircraft operating in and around these areas.

The presence of the control tower is crucial in Class C airspace to manage incoming and outgoing flight operations effectively, as controllers provide services such as sequencing and separation for arriving and departing aircraft. The established airspace configuration is designed to help pilots operate safely in proximity to heavily trafficked airspaces.

In contrast, airspace with no control tower would not fall under Class C, as this category is specifically defined by the presence of such a facility. Similarly, airspace that exists purely above 10,000 feet or designated as remote and uncontrolled does not correlate with the characteristics that define Class C airspace.