To operate in Class A airspace, which flight plan is required?

• A. NEED IFR flight plan
• B. No flight plan required
• C. VFR flight plan required
• D. IFR flight plan optional

Answer: (A)

In Class A airspace, you must operate under IFR and file an IFR flight plan. Class A, which spans from 18,000 feet MSL up to FL600, is IFR-only, so VFR operations are not permitted there. Before entry you need an active IFR flight plan and ATC clearance, with two-way communications established. An IFR flight plan is required because it provides ATC with your route, altitude, and performance details to ensure safe separation. A VFR plan isn’t acceptable in this airspace, and options claiming no flight plan or an IFR plan being optional don’t fit how Class A is controlled.