FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Airspace and AirportsEasy
A pilot wants to fly through Class B airspace surrounding a major airport. Before entering, what must the pilot receive from ATC?
- AAcknowledgment of the pilot's position report
- BTraffic advisories from approach control
- CAn explicit ATC clearance into the Class B airspace
- DA discrete transponder code only
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. An explicit ATC clearance into the Class B airspace
Class B airspace requires a specific ATC clearance to enter, not merely two-way radio contact. Simply establishing radio communication or receiving a transponder code is not sufficient.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Acknowledging a position report is not the same as a clearance.
- B. Traffic advisories are informational, not a clearance to enter.
- D. A transponder code assignment alone does not constitute clearance.
Class B Entry Requirement
Class B airspace requires the pilot to receive an explicit ATC clearance before entering, along with an operating transponder with Mode C and two-way radio.
- Clearance must be explicit, e.g., 'cleared into Class B airspace'
- Requires Mode C transponder and two-way radio
- Student pilots need specific endorsements to operate in Class B
Memory trick: Big Blue Boundary needs a Big Yes (clearance)