FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)Airspace and NavigationMedium
A pilot wants to transit through Class B airspace surrounding a major airport. The pilot contacts approach control and reports the request. Which response from ATC would allow the pilot to legally enter the Class B airspace?
- A'Cessna 456CD, cleared into the Class Bravo airspace'
- B'Cessna 456CD, radar contact'
- C'Cessna 456CD, squawk 0451'
- D'Cessna 456CD, remain clear of Bravo airspace'
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 'Cessna 456CD, cleared into the Class Bravo airspace'
14 CFR 91.131 requires that an aircraft receive an explicit ATC clearance before entering Class B airspace. Only a specific statement authorizing entry, such as 'cleared into the Class Bravo airspace' or 'cleared to enter the Class Bravo,' satisfies this requirement; radar contact and squawk code assignment alone do not.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 'Radar contact' only means the aircraft is identified on radar, not cleared to enter.
- C. Assigning a transponder code does not constitute clearance into Class B airspace.
- D. This instruction explicitly tells the pilot not to enter.
Class B Clearance Requirement
Unlike Class C and D, Class B airspace requires an explicit ATC clearance to enter, not just two-way radio communication.
- Governed by 14 CFR 91.131
- 'Radar contact' or a squawk code assignment is NOT clearance
- Clearance must explicitly state the aircraft may enter Class Bravo airspace
Memory trick: 'B is for Big permission' — Bravo needs a real go-ahead, not just a nod.