Likelyhood of VFR Through Tampa Class B?

[Toobuilder]

We have a bunch of time off for the Christmas holiday and we're thinking of taking the Rocket out for a little spin down to Key West. Since I'm coming from California, I'm planning on running the coast along the panhandle, then jumping across the Gulf, going feet dry somewhere north of Tampa. I'd LIKE to run the entire west coast down to Key West, but Tampa is really in the way. I have no problem with Bravo airspace in general, but I know some is more "VFR friendly" than others. PHX for example only rarely lets me pass through. If Tampa is sketchy, I'd rather just plan to go around from the get go.

Any practical guidance/experience would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[bkthomps]

my experience has been that tampa and orlando both come into play when traversing the area

easiest and best is to just get high and go over it, i've never been cleared through it VFR

[Mevans]

VFR transition through Tampa class B is easy, but most always east /west right over the field, usually at between 1600-2600, controllers usually very friendly. Just head to Plant City and ask. It is very scenic.

Also the floor of the class B is 6000 just off the beach. One option is to head to the water while north of tampa, pick 5500 and cruise down the beach. 5500 keeps you above the Sarasota airspace, (up to 4000) just south of the area. 5500 will keep you under Tampa class B and above the airspace at Sarasota, Venice, Ft. Myers, Naples.

Key West is almost due south of Clearwater, but you will go over some water, after Marco Island. What I have done is follow the coast around to near Everglades City, then straight south , this will put you near Marathon, then follow the islands on out.

There is a restaurant within walking distance of Everglades City, and an on field restaurant at Venice, and watch out for the Airstats( balloons), have fun

[MarkW]

Hey Michael,
Tampa is usually very good to work with. However you never know which runway they are using at TPA, PIE or MacDill. I usually fly just off the coast and keep it 5500' through the area. That also keeps you above SRQ going South. The 6k' Bravo shelf is right on the coast so that makes it easy.

[Brantel]

Once I was handed off to Tampa while receiving flight following fully expecting to have to stay clear but they cleared me thru without me even asking. I took their clearance with a smile....

[Toobuilder]

OK Team, I appreciate the responses. It now looks to me like the following route will work at a more "scenic" altitude:

KCDK WEVUL 4F9D KAPF KEYW

Lots of over water, but not too far off shore. Planning on at least 185 knots, so the last over water leg is only a few minutes.

[MarkW]

Except that puts you out and back in the ADIZ. Kind of a pain. Better to stay inside. Also watch out for the balloon.

[Toobuilder]

OK, so KMTH or VPKOE will work.... Just puts me closer to that balloon (and cable!).

[bsacks05]

I have done the coastal route through Tampa class B going north and south on a couple occasions in my RV. Last time, the controllers told a 757 to stay low until I was out of the way before continuing his climb out of TPA. Made me feel important.

[Rosie]

Originally Posted by MarkW

Except that puts you out and back in the ADIZ. Kind of a pain. Better to stay inside. Also watch out for the balloon.

No problem flying in/out of the ADIZ as long as you file a flight plan, mark the DVFR box and put in the appropriate times for entering/exiting the ADIZ in the remarks section. 12" N numbers are not required for when flying through the ADIZ from USA to USA airports. Here's a write-up on filing DVFR from the FAA. Also, I'm yet to not be allowed to fly through both Orlando and Tampa Class Bravo airspace Rosie