Which of the following is a characteristic of Class C and D airports regarding speed restrictions?

Class C and D airports have specific operational characteristics, particularly related to air traffic control and the management of aircraft in their vicinity. One defining aspect is the implementation of a 200-knot speed restriction that extends to four nautical miles from the airport's primary airport reference point (ARP). This speed limit is designed to enhance safety and minimize the risk of conflicts between departing and arriving aircraft.

The rationale behind this restriction is to maintain a manageable environment for both controllers and pilots, ensuring that aircraft are not traveling at excessive speeds while maneuvering in the congested airspace typically surrounding these airports. By maintaining a controlled speed, the risk of wake turbulence encounters and other operational conflicts is significantly reduced, creating a safer atmosphere for all aircraft, especially in the critical phases of flight associated with landing and taking off.

In contrast, other options suggest various scenarios where speed restrictions might not apply or might be limited to specific phases of flight, which do not accurately capture the established operational protocols surrounding Class C and D airports. Thus, the assertion that the 200-knot speed restriction applies within a certain distance from the airport aligns with the guidelines set forth for the safe operation of aircraft in these types of airspaces.