Pilots also comply with very strict FAA general operating  and flight rules as outlined in the CFR, including the FAA’s  important “see and avoid” mandate. These regulations provide  the historical foundation of the FAA regulations governing  the aviation system and the individual classes of airspace.  Figure 15-9  lists the operational and equipment requirements  for these various classes of airspace. It is helpful to refer to this  figure as the specific classes are discussed in greater detail.  Pilots operating an aircraft in Class A airspace must conduct  that operation under IFR and only under an ATC clearance  received prior to entering the airspace. Unless otherwise  authorized by ATC, each aircraft operating in Class A  airspace must be equipped with a two-way radio capable of  communicating with ATC on a frequency assigned by ATC.  Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, all aircraft within  Class A airspace must be equipped with the appropriate  transponder equipment meeting all applicable specifications  found in 14 CFR part 91, section 91.215. Additionally,  beginning January 1, 2020, aircraft operating in the Class  A airspace described in 14 CFR part 91, section 91.225,  must have ADS-B Out equipment installed, which meets the  performance requirements of 14 CFR part 91, section 91.227.  All pilots operating an aircraft within a Class B airspace area  must receive an ATC clearance from the ATC facility having  jurisdiction for that area. The pilot in command (PIC) may  not take off or land an aircraft at an airport within a Class  B airspace unless he or she has met one of the following  requirements:  For the purpose of this section, the primary airport is the  airport for which the Class C airspace area is designated. A  satellite airport is any other airport within the Class C airspace  area. No pilot may take off or land an aircraft at a satellite  airport within a Class C airspace area except in compliance  with FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns.  Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, all aircraft within Class  B airspace must be equipped with the applicable operating  transponder and automatic altitude reporting equipment  specified in 14 CFR part 91, section 91.215(a) and an  operable two-way radio capable of communications with  ATC on appropriate frequencies for that Class B airspace  area. Additionally, beginning January 1, 2020, aircraft  operating in the Class B airspace described in 14 CFR part 91,  section 91.225, must have ADS-B Out equipment installed,  which meets the performance requirements of 14 CFR part  91, section 91.227.  Two-way radio communications must be established and  maintained with the ATC facility providing air traffic services  1.  A private pilot certificate  Class C  Class B  Class A  2. A recreational pilot certificate and all requirements  contained within 14 CFR part 61, section 61.101(d), or  the requirements for a student pilot seeking a recreational  pilot certificate in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.94.  3. A sport pilot certificate and all requirements contained  within 14 CFR part 61, section 61.325, or the  requirements for a student pilot seeking a recreational  pilot certificate in 14 CFR part 61, section 61.94, or  the aircraft is operated by a student pilot who has met  the requirements of 14 CFR part 61, sections 61.94  and 61.95, as applicable.  Figure 15-9.  Requirements for airspace operations.  15-9  Class  Airspace  Entry Requirements  Equipment*  Minimum Pilot Certificate  Class  A  ATC clearance  IFR equipped  Instrument rating  Class  B  ATC clearance  Two-way radio, transponder  with altitude reporting capability  Private—(However, a student or  recreational pilot may operate at  other than the primary airport if  sGLYPH<df00>GLYPH<df00>king privatGLYPH<df00> pilot cGLYPH<df00>rtification and  if regulatory requirements are met.)  Class  C  Two-way radio communications  prior to entry  Two-way radio, transponder  with altitude reporting capability  No specific requirement  Class  D  Two-way radio communications  prior to entry  Two-way radio  No specific requirement  Class  E  None for VFR  No specific requirement  No specific requirement  Class  G  None  No specific requirement  No specific requirement  *Beginning January 1, 2020, ADS-B Out equipment may be required in accordance with 14 CFR part 91, section 91.225. 