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2 Answers

Transitioning through Class Charlie

Asked by: 1616 views Airspace, Private Pilot

I'm departing from a Class D airport approx 10 miles from a Class C that I want to transition. I'll want Flight Following after the transition for the remainder of my flight. Should I pick up FF on the ground at the D airport and have them hand me off to the Class C approach or just contact the Class C after take off since I'm so close, then request FF after the transition? 

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2 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Jun 26, 2020

    Just get it on the ground at the D airport, I see no reason not to. if you don’t there’s a “risk” that Approach may not be able to hear you, or they might be too busy, and you’d have to go around the C.

    Also, your last sentence implies a slight terminology misunderstanding. If you get it in the air with approach, there’d be no need to call up for transition through the C, then when you get on the other side telling them you want flight following to your destination. Just call them up and tell them you want flight following to your destination. They know you want to go the shortest route, and they’ll either give you “proceed on course”, or route you around their traffic if they need to. There is no reason to request a transition once you’re getting radar service.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Jun 27, 2020

    If you are departing a Class D which coordinates Class C transitions or, for that matter, any flight following service, why wouldn’t you use it if that was your goal?

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