"Bob Gardner" wrote in message
In any event "Am I cleared through Stewart's airspace?"
would clear up any uncertainty.

"Steven P. McNicoll" wrote in message
From the New York TRACON / Stewart Tower LOA:

While Steven's post is technically correct and with supporting data no less,
it takes a tangent to the OP's original questions. The LOA mentioned
references mostly TRACON problem of descending northeast bound traffic
landing KPOU clipping the KSWF class D.

The OP's answer was in Bob's simple statement above. And having flown the
similar route westbound many times, the ATC response will be "unable the
handoff to Stewart Tower,..." usually followed by "what are your
intentions?" if you are above 3000, or "VFR services terminated, squawk
1200, try Stewart Tower on 121.00" if you are below 3000.

I've found SWF to accommodate a westbound transition at 2500 (landing MGJ)
with little problem, but even the more typical crossing SWF at above 3000 is
no problem landing MGJ. You'll just need to plan your descent on the west
side of MGJ after over flying the field. Depending on my aircraft's
requirements, if landing 03, I begin a 500-700 fpm descent when crossing MGJ
westbound, descend for about two minutes and begin a standard rate
descending right hand turn, ending in a 45 inbound at pattern. Pretty much
what the OP did, except I never feel as rushed and would not descend at 1200
fpm just to keep it tight.

As to when to give up FF, I usually call the airport in sight, and I
definitely want to be on CTAF at five miles. Here in the NE, there could be
2 to 3 other planes looking to do the same thing I am at the very same time
(ie all overflying the field or entering the 45 from different directions)
and my eyeballs only work to about 3-5 miles at best.

This area is going to become very interesting over the next ten years. Since
the Port Authority of NY/NJ just took over official ownership of KSWF last
week. I saw plans for major highway and interstate changes to get airport
access. This area could see the next Class C if the plans are even half
fulfilled. That would probably open a new desk at TRACON and give even
better access for services. However, us VFR spamcans will have one less
block of airspace to just buzz around in.