If you are inspecting railroads in Class G airspace, do you need a prior airspace authorization?

In the context of inspecting railroads in Class G airspace, the correct reasoning centers on the nature of Class G airspace itself. Class G airspace is defined as uncontrolled airspace, which means that there are no specific air traffic control (ATC) requirements governing flight operations within it.

Pilots operating in Class G airspace are not required to obtain prior authorization from ATC, allowing for more flexibility in their activities, such as inspections. This freedom is particularly beneficial in areas where airspace density is low and where the operations do not pose a risk to other aircraft or operations.

Options that suggest a need for airspace authorization do not apply to Class G airspace. For example, passing through controlled airspace, like Class D, would require appropriate clearances under certain conditions, but if the operation is conducted strictly within Class G airspace, such requirements do not come into play. In summary, because Class G is uncontrolled, pilots can operate within it without needing prior approval from ATC.