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Flying near class delta, contact tower?

Asked by: 4361 views
Airspace, Commercial Pilot, General Aviation, Light Sport Aircraft, Private Pilot, Student Pilot

Hello, I have a question on passing near class delta airspace.

Take this example route (VFR flight) from KMDZ to KSTE which passes near (yet outside) the KCWA class delta airspace.

I'd contact them and just let them know I'll be passing by for my own piece of mind but do they expect it as a courtesy?  I only ask because in some more populated areas you would be switching around a lot...

Thanks! 

 

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1 Answers



  1. Jon Moore on Sep 14, 2012

    You’re right, it’s a good idea to call up Central Wisconsin Tower to let them know you’ll be passing by, but establishing radio contact is not required if you don’t enter the Class D airspace. The peace of mind you mention is a good reason to talk with them. They can tell you of arriving or departing aircraft that are close to your flight path, and they can alert those aircraft to your presence even if they don’t have radar.

    In the more populated areas you mention, you will probably be close to a Class B or C airspace if you’re passing by many closely-spaced Class D airspace areas. Not a bad idea in that situation to contact approach and request radar service as you transit through the busy airspace. That way you can talk to one facility and not have to switch frequency to each Class D tower you pass. Near Class B, good idea to fly the published VFR flyway routes and altitudes if you plan to fly close to the primary airport.

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