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, ...
- 19k
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 ...
- 13.5k
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 ...
- 5,551
13
votes
Accepted
Reporting to ATC when losing visual to traffic?
The short answer is yes, if you have called traffic in sight then ATC has an expectation that you will be able to maintain sight and provide your own separation. You need to notify them if you are no ...
- 24.9k
10
votes
Accepted
Which frequency to contact when arriving at a Class C airport when the tower is open, and which frequency when it is closed?
It was my understanding that when the airport is in towered operation, we contact the control tower (CTAF) as we do in a lot of class D airspaces.
You have the wrong understanding.
At a Class D ...
- 13.5k
10
votes
Accepted
Bottom of class C vs top of class D
AIM 3-1-3 answers this:
Hierarchy of Overlapping Airspace Designations
When overlapping airspace designations apply to the same airspace, the operating rules associated with the more restrictive ...
- 2,046
9
votes
Reporting to ATC when losing visual to traffic?
Yes, it's good to inform them because if you don't, they assume you know exactly where it is and you are responsible for keeping your distance.
The appropriate call to ATC would be:
Tower, 123AB ...
- 36k
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 ...
- 49.8k
8
votes
Does Flight Following automatically include permission to fly through class C or D airspace?
As per JO 7110.65 ATC, Section 2-1-16 SURFACE AREAS, when you are in contact with ATC, you do not need to specifically ask for authorization to enter a towered service area:
b. Coordinate with the ...
- 16.7k
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 ...
- 72.8k
7
votes
How do pattern and overflight altitudes work for airports underneath Class C airspace?
Just talk to the controllers. We live under a Class B with several underlying Class C or D fields. They'll talk to you. They'd rather know what you're planning to do than not, keeps everyone safer.
- 8,765
7
votes
When on VFR flight following into a Class C airport, is it typical to cancel before arriving (as with Class D and uncontrolled airports)?
Don’t cancel VFR Flight Following yourself unless you truly don’t want it anymore.
If you’re arriving at a non-towered airport, or at a towered airport without a radar display, then Approach/Center ...
- 27.6k
6
votes
Is ADSB required in Class C airspace when the tower is closed?
If an airspace is only class C when the tower is in operation, then it is no longer class C airspace when the tower is closed. In that case, the rules applicable to the class E or G airspace apply ...
- 617
6
votes
Accepted
What are approach control's expectations regarding weather information for flights to satellite airports?
I fly out of a controlled satellite class D (KLOU, Bowman Field) below a class C (KSDF, Louisville International) so I'm fairly familiar with this scenario, at least in the way that it's handled there....
- 71.6k
5
votes
Accepted
What is the maximum distance for class C service?
There is no strictly defined "maximum distance" beyond which you cannot receive radar service from an approach-control-whose-primary-airport-is-a-Class-C.
Terminal areas around a Class C ...
- 27.6k
4
votes
VFR through Class C to land at Class D (located within Class C)
First of all, there is no such thing as a Class D airport within Class C airspace. Airspace classes are exclusive; unless there is a cutout in the Class C (which there will be) the C will take ...
- 13.5k
4
votes
Class D under Class C but through another Class D?
On the pilot side the rules are unambiguous. 14 CFR 91.129 (c)(1) requires that you establish two-way communication with "the ATC facility providing air traffic services" before you enter ...
- 13.5k
4
votes
Bottom of class C vs top of class D
This is more a “thought exercise” question than one that’s likely to present a real-world quandary. The two controllers are in near constant communication with each other and have probably worked ...
- 3,750
4
votes
Why does entry into Class B specifically require clearance?
The difference boils down to the likelihood that you’ll be in the way of IFR traffic—and how easily ATC can solve that problem.
A typical class C or D airport may see only a few hundred (C) or a few ...
- 27.6k
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
4
votes
Accepted
How to sightsee in Class C and D airspaces?
The answer is the same in theory: you just tell ATC what you want to do, and they either approve it (possibly with some modifications) or deny it. Since all VFR services are on a “workload permitting” ...
- 27.6k
4
votes
Accepted
Staying in pattern at a class C airport
I would tend to agree with Michael Hall that you probably don't need to contact Clearance Delivery if you are planning on remaining in the pattern. In general you should contact Clearance Delivery (if ...
- 13.5k
4
votes
Accepted
Why does ATC assign a SID and then give different instructions after takeoff?
A SID, among other things, is a tool to ease ATC coordinations for departing traffic. For airports with established SIDs, it is common for the tower to be allowed to depart aircraft on the established ...
- 36.2k
3
votes
How do pattern and overflight altitudes work for airports underneath Class C airspace?
From the standpoint of the GR Class C airspace, your only choices are to go around Lowell or call GR Terminal for clearance into Class C to go over it, if you want to be legal overflight-wise.
Me, ...
- 126k
2
votes
Accepted
How do pattern and overflight altitudes work for airports underneath Class C airspace?
A non-standard pattern altitude would be in the Chart Supplement (formerly A/FD). Nothing is listed, so it's the expected 1700ft.
Overflight is 500ft above pattern altitude to maintain proper ...
- 27.6k
2
votes
Accepted
When on VFR flight following into a Class C airport, is it typical to cancel before arriving (as with Class D and uncontrolled airports)?
Thanks to commenters who confirmed my edit is correct, and that the answer to my question occurred to me shortly after I posted it:
Radar services continue by definition through Class C. All VFR ...
- 639
1
vote
Which frequency to contact when arriving at a Class C airport when the tower is open, and which frequency when it is closed?
Short answer:
Contact the controlling authority for the airspace you would like to enter.
That might sound oversimplified, but let me explain. From your answer it is apparent that you are very ...
- 24.9k
1
vote
Which frequency to contact when arriving at a Class C airport when the tower is open, and which frequency when it is closed?
Am I miscalculating my zulu time?
Your 1800Z is correct, assuming DST is not in effect. And the “‡” symbol means the times move with DST anyway, so even if the correct time is 1700Z, it wont change ...
- 27.6k
1
vote
Which frequency to contact when arriving at a Class C airport when the tower is open, and which frequency when it is closed?
Just because the tower is closed, doesn't mean that approach control is closed. In fact, Lincoln Municipal doesn't have its own approach controller; 124.0 is the frequency for Omaha approach.
If you'...
- 12.8k
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