Air space

Air space refers to the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a country above its territory, including its territorial waters or, more generally, any specific three-dimensional portion of the atmosphere. It is used for aviation, weather forecasting, and many other purposes.

Definition and regulation

Air space is defined by the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the Chicago Convention. This international treaty was established in 1944 and has been ratified by 193 countries. It defines a country's air space as a column of air over its territorial land and sea, up to the outer space. This includes the troposphere and stratosphere, but not the mesosphere and higher layers.

The use and control of air space is regulated by international and national laws, particularly air traffic control regulations. These laws can vary from country to country, but they generally establish the rights and responsibilities of aircraft operators and the authorities that control air space.

Types of air space

There are several types of air space, including controlled, uncontrolled, and special use air space.

• Controlled air space is an area where air traffic control services are provided. It is designed to ensure safe and efficient air traffic flow.

• Uncontrolled air space is an area where air traffic control does not provide service. Pilots are responsible for their own safety and must rely on visual flight rules.

• Special use air space is an area where activities must be confined because of their nature. This includes areas reserved for military use, border control, or environmental protection.

Air space and sovereignty

The concept of air space sovereignty is based on the principle of state sovereignty that extends to a country's air space. This means that a country has the exclusive right to control its air space and that foreign aircraft cannot enter it without permission. However, this principle is subject to certain exceptions, such as the right of innocent passage for civil aircraft and the right of overflight for certain types of flights.

See also

• Air traffic control
• Aviation law
• Convention on International Civil Aviation
• Stratosphere
• Troposphere