23
votes
What does the "T" on sectional charts mean in reference to airspace altitude?
T is used to signify that the top of Class C airspace that lies under Class B is the bottom surface of that airspace. This is important when the Class C segment lies under multiple layers of Class B, ...
- 18.2k
18
votes
Why does entry into Class B specifically require clearance?
The answer has to do with ATC's separation requirements.
In Class D airspace, VFR aircraft are not afforded any kind of separation. Mandatory traffic advisories and safety alerts are provided between ...
- 12.7k
17
votes
What is it like flying in class B airspace?
There are several big differences between working around a Class B airport versus a Class C.
Explicit clearance required. Operation in Class C airspace simply requires establishing two-way contact ...
- 22.6k
14
votes
What does the "T" on sectional charts mean in reference to airspace altitude?
You can start many "what does this thing on an FAA chart mean" questions with the FAA's Aeronautical Chart User's Guide. It doesn't go into a deep explanation, but does show it as an ...
- 5,521
11
votes
Accepted
Is the "Bay Tour" flight path documented, or is it a more informal route? Are there similar flight paths for other cities?
There certainly are similar routes - the Niagara Scenic Falls route, given in FAR 93.71 comes to mind. (FAR 93 has plenty of these, by the way.)
Comply with the following procedures when ...
- 22.8k
11
votes
Accepted
What is "airspace underlying a Class B airspace area designated for an airport"?
Yes, there is a legal interpretation on this:
[...] under the express language of the regulation, aircraft
operating in the airspace underlying Class B airspace -
irrespective ...
- 71.3k
10
votes
Accepted
Can ATC reject a GA aircraft IFR flight plan to a busy Bravo/Charlie airport?
Paragraph 2-1-2 of the FAA's Air Traffic Control Order (JO 7110.65z) states the following (pertinent excerpt):
2−1−2. DUTY PRIORITY
a. Give first priority to separating aircraft and
issuing safety ...
- 28.2k
9
votes
Accepted
When filing a VFR Flight Plan, where/how do you include intent to use a Class B transition?
Since VFR flight plans are only used for SAR, and your route would only matter if you aren’t talking to ATC, I would file the route you intend to take if ATC denies you the B transition—or refuses to ...
- 27.4k
8
votes
Accepted
Where does the Olive Branch (KOLV) class D ceiling meet the Memphis (KMEM) class B floor?
The Class D airspace surrounding the Olive Branch airport extends upward to 2900 feet msl, excluding the Class B airspace. So, your understanding is correct.
Here is the official description of ...
- 28.2k
8
votes
When filing a VFR Flight Plan, where/how do you include intent to use a Class B transition?
In answer to your specific question, as I understand you are asking, I would just put in the intended route (e.g., Bay Shore Transition) in the "route of flight" section and the route ...
- 28.2k
8
votes
Accepted
Why does entry into Class B specifically require clearance?
For a large class B complex, the same approach control frequency may be working aircraft both inside and outside the B, with some of those outside the B in a class C or D.
Establishing communication ...
- 47.6k
7
votes
What does the "T" on sectional charts mean in reference to airspace altitude?
Since the Class C airspace is sandwiched between the surface and the shelves of the nearby Class B airspace, the T indicates that the upper limit of the ClassC surface area is on the bottom of the ...
- 70.8k
7
votes
Does the transponder need to be on in the upper limit of Class B airspace?
Yes:
If you combine the two sections provided by SMSvonder Tann and Raaj Tram you get:
14 CFR 91.215 - ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use:
(b)(4) All aircraft in ...
- 28.2k
7
votes
Is an ultralight aircraft allowed to fly near Class B airspace?
Yes, an ultralight aircraft operated under 14 CFR 103 can be operated within the "Mode C Veil" within the limitations of §103.
As you note, 14 CFR 91—including §91.215, ATC transponder and altitude ...
- 16.5k
7
votes
Accepted
Which class B airports support GA?
Short answer; Basically all of them, but for the 7 landing slot airports you might need to pre-arrange your arrival.
It really depends what is going on at the airport, how willing you are to pay the ...
- 99.2k
6
votes
Accepted
What is the minimum recommended cruising altitude to avoid bird strikes?
AIM 7−4−1. Migratory Bird Activity
a. Bird strike risk increases because of bird migration during the months of March through April, and August through November.
b. The altitudes of migrating birds ...
- 7,342
6
votes
Is the "Bay Tour" flight path documented, or is it a more informal route? Are there similar flight paths for other cities?
As a Bay Area pilot, I've wondered this too. It appears to be an unofficial but widely-understood local custom, similar to the not-always-charted VFR reporting points commonly in use at many local ...
- 271
5
votes
Accepted
Can an appropriately-fitted UAS (of any size category) be flown in Class B airspace?
In general, no, you can't.
Public (Governmental) Use
The FAA maintains a page on Public Operations of UASs. There are a couple of ways governmental organizations (excluding the armed forces) can fly ...
- 19.2k
5
votes
Accepted
How should I refer to a transition through class B or class C airspace?
You'll sometimes get radio phraseology different from what is published on charts either due to some holdover from now-superseded procedures (bad form, but it happens) or because of Letters-Of-...
- 2,882
5
votes
Is the "Bay Tour" flight path documented, or is it a more informal route? Are there similar flight paths for other cities?
There is not one official "Bay Tour" flight route. However, there are general guidelines to follow. This local flight instructor's site explains this and offers suggestions of where you can get a map. ...
- 71.1k
5
votes
Accepted
What does "Clear Of Clouds" mean in reference to Class B Airspace in the United States?
That specific phrasing means that you can't touch a cloud. See the VFR minimums in 14 CFR 91.155, where it says:
no person may operate an aircraft under VFR when the flight visibility
is less, or ...
- 71.3k
5
votes
Accepted
How do Class B transitions work in the US?
Is requesting VFR flight following in a class bravo the same thing as requesting a class bravo clearance?
No. Flight following just means that the aircraft is receiving traffic advisories. A VFR ...
- 71.1k
4
votes
Accepted
When do you contact ATC when departing from a non-towered airport into class B controlled airspace?
I'm assuming you're VFR.
You contact ATC before you enter the Class B air space.
If necessary, you orbit outside, but you don't enter until after you hear the magic phrase "<your callsign>, ...
- 6,959
4
votes
Sightseeing in a class Bravo airspace?
Letters of Authorization (LOAs) are authorization to conduct various types of commercial flights in certain airspace. They are defined and governed by FAA Order 8900.1 and can be obtained from the ...
- 70.8k
4
votes
Accepted
Does TRACON airspace override Class B airspace in terms of control authority when controlling approach or departure procedures?
Class B is a legal restriction for pilots. ATC has to give them clearance to enter it. It's there to protect the traffic around a busy airport from aircraft that are not being controlled by ATC.
The ...
- 28.2k
4
votes
How does the traffic pattern at a large airport affect nearby, smaller airports?
Generally speaking when airports like this are close together the airspace is designed to allow operations at both airports to occur without interfering with each other.
Broadly speaking if one ...
- 99.2k
4
votes
Accepted
Does the flight always switch to TRACON on a go-around in class B airspace?
It depends. As a rule oh thumb, a missed approach will be handed over to approach (TRACON) to get a new approach clearance. Some places have local rules that allow approach to delegate this ...
- 35.6k
4
votes
Which class B airports support GA?
Most* class B airports are surprisingly GA friendly if you are prepared. Martin Pauly has many YouTube videos of flying into class B airports all over the country in his Bonanza.
However, there are ...
- 27.4k
4
votes
Why does entry into Class B specifically require clearance?
Class B is expected to be a busier airspace. The difference between "ATC can deny clearance" and "you must get explicit clearance" is huge in that context.
Typically Class B ...
- 106
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