Airspace question of the day (9/22/2009)

[N941WR]

Do you have to be cleared into Class Delta airspace?

It couldn't get much easier thant that.

[Michael Burbidge]

This is sort of a trick question. My understanding is that you don't have to be cleared, like you do for class B. But that you have to have made radio contact with the tower. So I would say no.

[Ken Herchuck]

Originally Posted by mburbidg@adobe.com

This is sort of a trick question. My understanding is that you don't have to be cleared, like you do for class B. But that you have to have made radio contact with the tower. So I would say no.

Agree with the radio contact, in our area we have an old TRSA, which has an outer band at about 10 miles. Technically, if you are VFR you only have to contact the tower to enter the space and get clearance to land. We treat it as a mini class B, by contacting approach control then being handed off, finally to ground after exiting runway.

[engineerorange]

Two way radio communication must be established. There is no permission/clearance required.

I say, "XXX tower, Experimental RV NXXX"

tower responds "RV NXXX, say position and intentions"

He repeated my N-number, two way radio communication established.

[Mel]

Only have to establish 2-way radio communications.

[vic syracuse]

Don't mix up TRSA's with Class D. Permission to enter with TRSA's approach control is somewhat optional-- only radio contact has to be established.
Although someitmes you will hear "remain clear of the class C" upon contact.
For Class D airspace, you had better get permission to enter, depart, or transit the area during their hours of operation.

Vic

[aarvig]

Originally Posted by Mel

Only have to establish 2-way radio communications.

Just took the written...this is the way it is! Only establish radio contact. Radio contact at a minimum would be the controller saying your N number and standby.

[BoilermakerRV]

Originally Posted by mburbidg@adobe.com

This is sort of a trick question.

You do not have to be "cleared". However, you must be in radio contact with the tower. Meaning you have called the tower and they have acknowledged you by your full call sign. "Aircraft calling [insert name here] tower, please say again.", does not constitute "radio contact".

That being said, I think I answered "yes". Subtract one from yes and add one for the no's.

[N395V]

Originally Posted by aarvig

Just took the written...this is the way it is! Only establish radio contact. Radio contact at a minimum would be the controller saying your N number and standby.

While this is true because of the way the FAR is written I would heed Vic's advice.

I imagine you would be in for a less than pleasant day if you called approach, they acknowledged that call with your N number, you asked for a radio check and then blasted across the primary airport in the Class D.

[scard]

Originally Posted by vic syracuse

Don't mix up TRSA's with Class D.

Also, don't mix up a TRSA and Class C.

Originally Posted by vic syracuse

Permission to enter with TRSA's approach control is somewhat optional-- only radio contact has to be established.

You don't need any permission to "enter" a TRSA as it isn't even classified airspace anymore and you won't find any FARs published pertaining to their regulation. Just establish communications to "participate" in the services it may provide in that area. Participation is absolutely optional.

Originally Posted by vic syracuse

Although sometimes you will hear "remain clear of the class C" upon contact.

Which is a whole other thing.

Originally Posted by vic syracuse

For Class D airspace, you had better get permission to enter, depart, or transit the area during their hours of operation.

Vic

All just airspace 101 that any pilot is supposed to know real well. The longer I am around, the more I'm sometimes alarmed at just how many people are flying around without the required information stored. I've only been a pilot for 17yrs. I still have a lot to learn.
Sorry Vic, I didn't mean to pick apart your post. You're da' man.