Uncontrolled airspace

Uncontrolled airspace is an aviation term to describe airspace where an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service is not deemed necessary or cannot be provided for practical reasons. According to the airspace classes set by ICAO both class F and class G airspace are uncontrolled. It is the opposite of controlled airspace.

ATC does not exercise any authority in uncontrolled airspace, but will provide basic services to aircraft in radio contact. Flight under both Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) is possible in uncontrolled airspace. Aircraft operating under IFR should not expect separation from other traffic: however in certain uncontrolled airspace this might be provided on an 'as far as is practical' basis.