VA Aviator
Pre-takeoff checklist
I'm almost too embarrassed to ask this question... It's not something that should be coming from me... I should really know the answer to this.
But... I've been away from flying for 5 years and while many things have stayed with me, others have not. I've researched this but have not been able to find a definitive answer in any FAA publication.
Ok, so the really dumb question:
When flying VFR in class B, C or D airspace, what is the proper procedure when it comes to altitudes? From my fuzzy memory, it seems to me this is the way it is:
Class D: Generally speaking, altitudes are at pilot's discretion, and the pilot is responsible for descending in such a manner as to be at TPA on the entry to the pattern. On departure, you are welcome to climb your desired altitude at your discretion (following any noise abatement procedures)
Class C: Pilot may be given altitudes to maintain, along with radar vectors, until pattern entry/make straight in instructions, at which point you descend to TPA/intercept and maintain glidepath.
On departure, you will be assigned an altitude that you are to climb and maintain.
In the absence of specific altitudes, altitudes are at the pilot's discretion, however you should advise ATC of any changes (such as "field in sight, starting our descent")
Class B: Never operated in class B VFR (I have under IFR) but my understanding is that it's more or less like an IFR flight. Related question: How do you know when to descend? Do they they clear VFR aircraft for visual approaches?
In my defense, most of my flights into B/C/D airports have been under IFR... but even that was long ago.. so excuse the ignorance
But... I've been away from flying for 5 years and while many things have stayed with me, others have not. I've researched this but have not been able to find a definitive answer in any FAA publication.
Ok, so the really dumb question:
When flying VFR in class B, C or D airspace, what is the proper procedure when it comes to altitudes? From my fuzzy memory, it seems to me this is the way it is:
Class D: Generally speaking, altitudes are at pilot's discretion, and the pilot is responsible for descending in such a manner as to be at TPA on the entry to the pattern. On departure, you are welcome to climb your desired altitude at your discretion (following any noise abatement procedures)
Class C: Pilot may be given altitudes to maintain, along with radar vectors, until pattern entry/make straight in instructions, at which point you descend to TPA/intercept and maintain glidepath.
On departure, you will be assigned an altitude that you are to climb and maintain.
In the absence of specific altitudes, altitudes are at the pilot's discretion, however you should advise ATC of any changes (such as "field in sight, starting our descent")
Class B: Never operated in class B VFR (I have under IFR) but my understanding is that it's more or less like an IFR flight. Related question: How do you know when to descend? Do they they clear VFR aircraft for visual approaches?
In my defense, most of my flights into B/C/D airports have been under IFR... but even that was long ago.. so excuse the ignorance