FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)RegulationsMedium
A private pilot is conducting a VFR flight in Class B airspace. Which of the following is an additional requirement for operating within Class B airspace that is NOT typically required for Class C airspace?
- AAn operating Mode C or S transponder is required.
- BTwo-way radio communication must be established prior to entry.
- CThe pilot must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate.
- DA specific ATC clearance to enter the airspace is required.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. A specific ATC clearance to enter the airspace is required.
While both Class B and C airspace require established two-way radio communication and an operating Mode C/S transponder, Class B airspace uniquely requires a specific ATC clearance to enter. For Class C, merely establishing two-way communication is sufficient for entry.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Both Class B and Class C airspace require an operating Mode C or S transponder.
- B. Both Class B and Class C airspace require two-way radio communication to be established prior to entry.
- C. While Class B generally requires a Private Pilot Certificate, a student pilot with a specific endorsement can operate in Class B, and this requirement is also shared with Class C (for student pilots).
Class B Airspace Entry Clearance
To operate in Class B airspace, a pilot must receive a specific ATC clearance to enter, in addition to establishing two-way radio communication.
- This is a key differentiator from Class C and D airspace.
- ATC must explicitly say 'cleared into Class Bravo airspace' or similar.
- Entering without clearance is a violation.
Memory trick: Bravo says 'Clearance!', Charlie says 'Chat!'