"Julian Scarfe" wrote in message
...

The class of airspace tells you what separation is provided by ATC. In
class B, all flights are separated. In class C, IFR flights are separated
from everything else, but VFR flights are not separated from each other.
This distinction is part of the ICAO classification scheme and is the same
the world over.

Where the US differs from ICAO (and the rest of the world) is in allowing
VFR flights to operate in class C and D airspace without an explicit
clearance, replacing this with a requirement for two-way comms. From an
operational point of view I've never really understood the purpose of the
distinction. The pilot is required to obey ATC instructions in class C
just as in class B.


The US should conform to the ICAO standard in requiring a clearance for VFR
operations in Class C airspace as VFR aircraft are provided separation. A
clearance and separation go hand-in-hand. The ICAO standard should not
require a clearance for VFR operations in Class D airspace as VFR aircraft
are not separated.