Which statement correctly describes the maximum speed below 10,000 feet ASL when outside 10 NM from a controlled airport and above 3,000 feet AGL?

Which statement correctly describes the maximum speed below 10,000 feet ASL when outside 10 NM from a controlled airport and above 3,000 feet AGL?

• A. 210 kts
• B. 250 kts
• C. 280 kts
• D. 300 kts

Answer: (B)

The main rule tested is the general speed limit below 10,000 feet MSL. In US airspace, you’re not allowed to exceed 250 knots indicated airspeed when you’re below 10,000 feet, unless you’re in a special airport-proximity zone that tightens the limit. There is a stricter limit of 200 knots, but that applies only within a close radius (about 4 nautical miles) of designated primary airports and within certain Class B/C/D airspace. Since you’re outside 10 NM from a controlled airport, you’re not in that restricted zone, so the 200-knot limit does not apply here. Therefore, the maximum permissible speed in this scenario is 250 knots. The 3,000 feet AGL detail doesn’t change the rule—the limit is based on altitude above mean sea level (below 10,000 ft MSL), and outside the airport-proximity area you use the general 250-knot limit.

The main rule tested is the general speed limit below 10,000 feet MSL. In US airspace, you’re not allowed to exceed 250 knots indicated airspeed when you’re below 10,000 feet, unless you’re in a special airport-proximity zone that tightens the limit.

There is a stricter limit of 200 knots, but that applies only within a close radius (about 4 nautical miles) of designated primary airports and within certain Class B/C/D airspace. Since you’re outside 10 NM from a controlled airport, you’re not in that restricted zone, so the 200-knot limit does not apply here.

Therefore, the maximum permissible speed in this scenario is 250 knots. The 3,000 feet AGL detail doesn’t change the rule—the limit is based on altitude above mean sea level (below 10,000 ft MSL), and outside the airport-proximity area you use the general 250-knot limit.