I started flying at RHV and everyone avoided SJC Carlie like the
plague. Then out of Oakland (North Field). And now HWD. I like HWD
because I am still "in the mix" of busy airspace and get lots of "real
world" traffic and communications chalenges, but if I don't want to do
the transition I can still get out and stay clear of Charlie and/or
Bravo and only have to chat with HWD tower. I still fly into OAK some
times for pattern work.

IMHO pilots should take the time to use the airspace avalable to its
fullest, particularly with all of the communications issues that seem
to be out there. If someone finds that they avoid airspace because
they get frustrated with ATC or are scared of the "jungle" thats where
they should spend some time to get over it and hone the skills of
proper communication.

I have found that the more proffesional and confident you sound the
faster you will get in and out of the airspace. A CFI once told me
that controllers are aware that they don't always make sence. The only
feedback they get about a particular phrasiology being ineffective is
clarifacation requests. If we dont ask they assume it made sence.
Oddly enough the NTSB sides with ATC on that.
After all, we are PIC, Right?

Another thing I have noticed, particularly with Bravo and Charlie,
accuracy in position reporting and quick "traffic in sight" replies or
unsolicited "traffic in sight" updates get you priority handling as
well. If they think you know where you are and whose around you, they
dont need as much "clear air" to keep anything from bending.

Jon Wanzer
CP ASEL / IA
AGI IGI (CFI / CFII soon-to-be)
San Jose,CA

On Thu, 23 Dec 2004 09:21:59 -0800, john szpara
wrote:

Hayward (weird) *is* a strange place to fly into. The ILS for 29 is 1
mile to the left, and the ILS for 27 is 2.5 miles to the right.
Oakland is basically two airports. It has class C airspace, which
starts barely a 1/2 mile off the end of HWD's runways.

SFO's class B airspace lays above. SJC's class C starts 10 miles
south. Flying anywhere in this area is like an obstacle course.

As for the "modified straight in", I didn't give any thought to it at
the time. I was given no other instructions, point to fly to, or
traffic to follow, so I flew a route at my discretion.
John Szpara