"stephanevdv" wrote in message
oups.com...
The only airspace a glider can't get a clearance for, should be class A
(IFR only).


There is nothing in the regulations that prohibits a clearance into Class A
except that the aircraft must be properly equipped, the pilot must hold the
proper certificates and be current. There are several US pilots that
routinely fly XC in Class A airspace.

I have had local pilots tell me that when flying with a transponder and
utilizing "Flight Following" (US rough equivalent of 'Controlled VFR'),
enroute controllers have CONTACTED THEM offering clearance into Class A
airspace when it appeared that a thermal climb would reach 18,000 feet.

That's a pretty good incentive to get a transponder.

Bill Daniels