What are the two primary conditions that determine entry into controlled airspace with regard to weather minima?

• A. The type of aircraft's color
• B. Visual cues on the ground
• C. Minimum weather conditions specific to the airspace and ATC clearance requirements.
• D. The pilot's experience and preference.

Answer: (C)

Entering controlled airspace is governed by two things: the weather conditions published for that airspace and the authorization from ATC to enter. Each class of controlled airspace has minimum weather requirements (visibility and cloud clearance) that you must meet to operate there. These minima are set so pilots can maintain safe separation from other aircraft and terrain. In addition, certain controlled airspaces require explicit ATC clearance to enter; IFR flight always operates under ATC clearance, and many VFR operations into higher-traffic, busier airspace also require clearance or an established two-way communication with ATC. If you don’t meet the published weather minimums, you can’t enter, even if you have ATC clearance. If you have the weather meet the minimums but no ATC clearance where one is required, you still can’t enter. Therefore the two primary determinants are the specific weather minima for that airspace and the ATC clearance requirements. The other choices aren’t criteria used to determine entry.