FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Navigation and AirspaceEasy
A helicopter pilot plans to land at an airport depicted on the sectional chart with a blue dashed circle around it, with no other visible restrictions. Before entering this airspace, what must the pilot do?
- ARequest a special VFR clearance regardless of weather conditions
- BFile a VFR flight plan with Flight Service
- CObtain a discrete transponder code from ATC
- DEstablish two-way radio communication with the control tower before entering
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Establish two-way radio communication with the control tower before entering
A blue dashed line depicts Class D airspace, which surrounds an airport with an operating control tower. Two-way radio communication must be established with ATC before entering, even without receiving an explicit clearance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Special VFR is only needed when weather is below basic VFR minimums.
- B. A VFR flight plan is not required to enter Class D airspace.
- C. A discrete transponder code is not required in Class D unless directed by ATC.
Class D Airspace
Controlled airspace around airports with an operating control tower but no radar approach control, depicted by a blue dashed line.
- Typically extends from the surface to 2,500 feet AGL
- Radius usually 4 nautical miles, tailored to instrument approach needs
- Two-way radio communication must be established before entry
Memory trick: Dashed Blue = D for 'Dial before you Descend' into the pattern.