Class C Airspace Discussion

"Gary Drescher" wrote in message
. ..

But its being their responsibility doesn't mean that it isn't still the
pilot's responsibility too (in the case of VFR flight following). In fact,
the AIM (3-2-1d) says "It is the responsibility of the pilot to insure
that ATC clearance or radio communication requirements are met prior to
entry into Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace. *The pilot retains this
responsibility when receiving ATC radar advisories*." (emphasis added).

So even when I'm receiving flight following, I assume I need to talk to
the tower or approach controller of the facility whose airspace I'm about
to transit, except if the chart notes otherwise (for example, in the case
of several satellites whose Class D airspace is underneath Boston's Class
B, the chart says to contact Boston Approach to transit the Class D above
a certain altitude). In practice, though, I can't recall any time that the
controller giving me radar advisories wasn't already the one I needed to
be in contact with.


A radar controller is required to coordinate the transition of Class D
airspace with the control tower when providing radar traffic advisories.
You are not expected to contact the tower yourself.


FAA Order 7110.65R Air traffic Control

Chapter 2. General Control

Section 1. General

2-1-16. SURFACE AREAS

a. Coordinate with the appropriate nonapproach control tower on an
individual aircraft basis before issuing a clearance which would require
flight within a surface area for which the tower has responsibility unless
otherwise specified in a letter of agreement.

REFERENCE-
FAAO 7210.3, Letters of Agreement, Para 4-3-1.
14 CFR Section 91.127, Operating on or in the Vicinity of an Airport in
Class E Airspace.
P/CG Term- Surface Area.

b. Coordinate with the appropriate control tower for transit authorization
when you are providing radar traffic advisory service to an aircraft that
will enter another facility's airspace.

NOTE-
The pilot is not expected to obtain his/her own authorization through each
area when in contact with a radar facility.

c. Transfer communications to the appropriate facility, if required, prior
to operation within a surface area for which the tower has responsibility.

REFERENCE-
FAAO 7110.65, Radio Communications Transfer, Para 2-1-17.
FAAO 7110.65, Surface Area Restrictions, Para 3-1-11.
FAAO 7110.65, Application, Para 7-6-1.
14 CFR Section 91.129, Operations in Class D Airspace.