Which statement about the control area is correct?

• A. It extends 10 NM from the surface for 5000 ft
• B. It extends 50 NM from the surface to unlimited
• C. It extends 100 NM from the surface to 10000 ft
• D. It is the same as the control zone

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how a control area is defined in terms of horizontal extent and vertical limits. A control area is controlled airspace designed to provide ATC service for IFR and certain VFR traffic. It is typically established with a fixed horizontal radius and starts from the surface, often described as extending to unlimited height, meaning there is no definite upper limit within that area. This matches the statement that the control area extends 50 NM from the surface to unlimited: a 50 NM radius around the aerodrome (or designated center) with no fixed top, so ATC service applies throughout that volume. The other options imply different radii or vertical ceilings or equate the control area with a control zone, which does not align with the standard definition.