What is the maximum altitude you can fly in controlled airspace without ATC clearance?

In controlled airspace, the specific rules dictate that aircraft must receive Air Traffic Control (ATC) clearance before ascending to certain altitudes. Generally, the maximum altitude that you can fly in controlled airspace without ATC clearance is 1,500 feet above the ground level. This altitude allows for visual flight rules (VFR) operations to remain safely below the thresholds that require clearance.

Flying above this altitude without ATC clearance increases the risk of uncontrolled interactions with other air traffic and could lead to safety issues. Therefore, adherence to this rule is crucial for maintaining order in the controlled airspace, ensuring that flights remain separated and safe from one another.

The other altitudes mentioned in the choices exceed the threshold established for VFR operations in controlled airspace without requiring ATC clearance, making them unsuitable for this context.