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2 Answers

VFR Direct under class C?

Asked by: 1718 views Airspace, Private Pilot

I was cleared VFR direct to my destination after contacting approach departing out of a class D airport under their class C shelf. I know I'm cleared into their airspace but does it also imply that altitude is also at my discretion and that I can climb up to my cruise altitude? 

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2 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Apr 22, 2018

    Unless the Class C controller specified an altitude, you are unrestricted. That’s common if you told ATC your planned altitude (did you?).

    It can also happen when your route of flight does not effect any arrival/departure lanes. Examples are quiet times and when your route crosses perpendicular to the runways.

    However, it is considered by many to be a good practice to advise ATC of any changes in direction or altitude.

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  2. Ron Klutts on May 18, 2018

    It’s always good to advise ATC of any changes in altitude as they may be busy doing something else and may not notice your blip and the changing numbers. Think of them as traffic coordinators and as such they need to know whats happening. More often than not they will say “VFR altitude your discretion.” If they need you at a specific altitude for other traffic they will tell you to stay at or below XXXX\’, or above XXXX’

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