Is Class E airspace controlled or uncontrolled?

Class E airspace is categorized as controlled airspace. This designation means that air traffic control (ATC) has jurisdiction over the operations occurring within this airspace. The specifics of Class E airspace include that it typically extends upward from either the surface or a designated altitude, generally 1,200 feet AGL, to the base of the overlying Class A airspace at 18,000 feet MSL.

Pilots operating in Class E airspace must adhere to ATC instructions, and they are subject to the same rules and regulations that apply in other controlled airspace types. This controlled environment enhances overall safety by enabling effective communication between pilots and air traffic controllers, which is essential for maintaining separation between aircraft and facilitating smooth operations.

While some might think of Class E as potentially "uncontrolled" because it often starts at higher altitudes and may not always have tower services like Class B, C, or D airspaces, it is indeed still considered controlled due to the governing presence of ATC within the airspace. At lower altitudes, pilots flying in Class E must still follow established procedures and rules to ensure safety.