Part 107 sectional chart question: 2026-10-20

Daily question archive. Answer it, then read the step-by-step explanation.

Daily question for Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026

FAA sectional chart excerpt for this question — Sectional: Washington, edition effective Sep 3, 2026 (next edition Oct 29, 2026). Source: FAA (public domain).

Refer to the marked airport. What airspace surrounds SHENANDOAH VALLEY RGNL (SHD) at the surface, and is ATC authorization required for a small UA flying there at 300 ft AGL?

A. Class D, from the surface; ATC authorization is required
B. Class E surface area; ATC authorization is required
C. Class G up to 700 ft AGL, Class E above; no ATC authorization is required below 400 ft AGL

Answer: B. At Shenandoah Valley Rgnl the airport is surrounded by a dashed magenta line (Class E to the surface). That is controlled airspace that starts at the surface, so under 14 CFR 107.41 a remote pilot needs ATC authorization (normally through LAANC or FAA DroneZone) before flying there. Dashed magenta means Class E begins at the surface even without a tower, so authorization is still required. Ref: FAA-H-8083-25 Ch. 15, Remote Pilot Study Guide Ch. 2, 14 CFR 107.41.

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