waters within 12 nautical miles (NM) of the coast of  the 48 contiguous states and Alaska. Unless otherwise  authorized, all operation in Class A airspace will be  conducted under instrument flight rules (IFR). It is not  likely PPCs will be operated in Class A airspace. is required to operate in Class B airspace; however,  there is an exception to this requirement. Student pi - lots, recreational pilots, and sport pilots may operate  in the airspace if they have received training and a  logbook endorsement by an authorized flight instruc - tor in accordance with 14 CFR part 61. With proper communication equipment, a Mode C  transponder (a device that transmits your exact posi - tion and altitude), pilot certification and endorsements  as required, and an air traffic control (ATC) clearance,  a powered parachute may operate in Class B airspace.  Due to large jets and congested traffic operating in  Class B airspace, powered parachute operations may  not be advised. Class B airspace is generally the airspace from the  surface to 10,000 feet MSL surrounding the nation’s  busiest airports. The configuration of Class B airspace  is individually tailored to the needs of a particular  area and consists of a surface area and two or more  layers. Some Class B airspace resembles an upside- down wedding cake. At least a private pilot certificate  Class B Airspace Figure 8-2. Basic weather minimums, from 14 CFR 91.155 and 14 CFR 61.315. 8-2