"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
link.net...

"Dick Meade" wrote in message
...

OK, so how does this work? Two years ago, enroute OSH for the fly-in, I
approach Madison with flight following. I'm given vectors, despite the
fact I'm at 11,500 feet.

Just how far up does their airspace extend?


The last I heard Madison approach airspace went up to 10,000, it's
possible it's been moved up to 13,000 to be consistent with Milwaukee
approach which it abuts. If you were at 11,500 and talking to Madison
approach that would seem to be the case.


You mean that they will handle IFR traffic up to that altitude not that
their controlled space goes up that high. The charted space for Madison is
up to 4900 (or something close, I'm not looking at the chart). If I pass
overhead of that or under or around, I will monitor but not bother them.
However, Madison controllers are extremely accomodating. I have never had
them vector me at all. The only time that even came close was a "...
transition approved. Cross directly over the airport to stay clear of
traffic."

Milwaukee, on the other hand, seem very territorial. They are difficult to
deal with for practice approaches at Kenosha and they aggressively protect
their airspace around MKE by vectoring VFR traffic well clear. Many years
ago, I was passing along the lakeshore under their airspace. I called up as
a courtesy, got a squawk, then a chewing out for flying so close to their
airspace, then vectors further out into Lake Michigan. I responded, "Lake
94P, squawking 1200, will remain clear of your airspace." I've never called
them again unless inbound to MKE. If their airspace is busier than the
protected areas are designed to support, I sympathize. If they want my
cooperation, they need to be nice about it

___________________
Travis.