"Gary Drescher" wrote in message
news_ySc.132920$eM2.100919@attbi_s51...

Why do some airports with an instrument approach (e.g. HIE) lack a
surface Class E to protect the approach? HIE LOC 10 has Class G
below 700' AGL, but the MDA is well below that height. A plane can
legally fly VFR just below a 700' ceiling along the final approach
course, with no way for it to see and avoid an approaching IFR plane,
or vice versa.


Controlled airspace at the surface requires surface weather observations and
radio communications capability with ATC down to the runway surface. If you
do not have both of those an airport with an SIAP will have Class G airspace
from the surface to 700' AGL.