Class Bravo Airspace

[buckeem]

Do most Pilots (GA) stay clear of Class B airspace? Also, do your instructors take you to Class B airspace and give you instruction for your class b endorsements?

Would you transition Class b or go around if it was on your direct course? What's your preference?

Buckeem
Department of Redundency Department

[This message has been edited by buckeem (edited 04-26-2000).]

[HighFLyer]

I live about 50 miles north of MSP, and my flight home (not college home) takes me right through the edge of Bravo. In addition I have flown to a few airports inside Bravo airspace. As far as flying through them on a direct flight, I will usually go around it if I am on a VFR flight. If I choose to file IFR or use Flight Following, then I'll zip right through. As for the airports inside Bravo, I just fly along underneath the floor of Bravo, and slip right under any extra work I'd need to do!

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The sky's not the limit, its a Playground!

[SeaAir]

Most of the time I avoid Class B if I am VFR but there really isn't any need to. As long as they aren't too busy, ATC is happy to deal with VFR traffic. Just give them a call far enough out so that if there is a problem you can deviate around the Class B without too much trouble.

Usually there are established VFR transition routes over the main airport, but they may require that you change from your crusing altitude to go through them. VFR Flight Following is another good way to go and they will deal with the Class B problems for you.

Alos, some Class B's are more intrusive than others. At first glance it may look like it takes up the entire available airspace, but usually there are ways to navigate around it. The Class B in Los Angeles used to be (and I suspect still is) very friendly to GA aircraft because of the high level of involvement GA had in setting it up originally. The one in Seattle is more of a problem because of the proximity of the mountains, but still there are some good ways to get around it, you just have to look for them. Spend some time with the charts looking for the best route when you plan your course.

[wxwatcher]

LAX is still very GA friendly. If you follow the published "VFR Corridors" over the airport yopu don't even have to talk with the controllers at SoCal or LAX.

SFO is a whole different game, though. Either avoid it or plan on getting real good at cutting circular holes in the sky. And if you land at SFO and want to depart VFR you MUST file a flight plan with Oakland or Rancho Murieta flight service stations. There is a specific flight plan format that is not in the DUATS system and most other AFSS's are not aware of it.

Check out:
http://www.faa.gov/ats/oakaifss/

Click on "Northern Californnia Pilot's Guide" the "Class B Departures" for more info.

That's the web page for Oakland AIFSS. They also have an email address.. 9-awp-oak-web@faa.gov if you have any other questions.

Jerry

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Comments and opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

[buckeem]

Well i dont think I'll be in Cali anytime soon. I am getting my training in a class b airspace. I fly out of Houston Hobby Airport. It is flanked to the north by George Bush Inter. Airport(IAH). I have a endorsement to fly in (HOU) class b. i cannot fly north of downtown Houston Because that is IAH class B.


After talking to other pilots who trainded elsewhere, they all seemed a little apprehensive about crossing Class b. I personally wouldnt hesitate about a class b in my way. i just wanted to know about the general thoughts of other pilots.