question for all the real world pilots....flying under airspace

[CHERN]

I train out of an airport that is on the edge of a Class C airspace. I've just been recently cleared to solo out to the practice area (previously I've only been allowed to solo in the pattern to practice landings...). The practice area that I fly to is not in the Class C...however...there is a place I want to fly over (my house/town) that is under the class C. The airspace starts at 2500 feet, so I can fly under it...but I'm wondering if there are any restrictions or things I should know before I go and do this...I don't want to break any rules this eaerly in my career :)

I probably won't do this before I consult with my instructor but I also want to know what you all think about it...

I guess my overall point is that I want to know if it is perfectly fine to just fly under airspace without being in contact with a center controlling the airspace....

thanks in advance!

:-wave

[MikeS_KPDX]

check the chart to make sure they dont have a Mode C veil, if they do you will probably have to contact them and they will issue a code. BUT if you reamin outside the charlie space but within the veil, you will not be vectored, unless you request it.

However, as you know, once inside the space (remember, two comms required only, no clerance required - that is B space) you will have the squawk AND will be controlled via VFR instruction.

good luck

[hylander_1]

Hey CHERN, as long as you stay underneath the 10 mile ring of the Class C you should be fine. As you know the airspace has two rings one with a radius of 5 miles and the other with a radius of 10 miles. The inner ring goes from the surface up to the top of the airspace. The outer ring has a floor, in your case 2500 feet MSL, that extends up to the top of the airspace. If you are under 1,200 feet AGL (in the Eastern US) you're in Class G airspace, which is uncontrolled. What I would recommend is that you ask your flight instructor about it and see what he tells you. He might just tell you to contact the controlling frequency of the Class C airspace as soon as you takeoff from your training airport to give your intentions.

"United We Stand"
http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/high...s/us_flag1.gif

Regards,
hylander_1
A.K.A. Mike Hyland
PP_ASEL 7-20-2004
150 hours TT

"Don't you just love the look on people's faces when you talk about aviation and they don't understand a word that you are saying?":-)

[KylePrestwood]

Hey Chern,

Just to make you feel better, I'll reassure you too. More than likely, as the others were saying, it's fine. I do it all the time beneath Whiting NAS class C and Pensacola Reg. From my understanding, as long as you're not in that "upside down wedding cake", you're good.

Again, check with your instructor though... :-)

Kyle

[KenG01]

Seeing as how you are flying solo, you should make sure to go over the airspace requirements and regultaions from you training aids as well as the FAR/AIM for all thre regs

[CHERN]

thanks everyone for your advice...I'll check with my instructor soon to see what I will eventually do

thanks!

:-wave

[pacallen]

Flying underneath the airspace isn't a problem at all. Even if there is a mode C ring, all you need to do is have your transponder on alt but you don't have to speak with anyone. If you feel like it, you could always tell approach what you are doing but tell them that you intend to remain clear of the class C. As a student pilot, I think (you might want to look this up) that you can even fly in class C without any special endorsements (but class B does require one).

Finally, if you do fly over your house/town, make sure that your are at least 1000 agl as it would be considered a congested area (I came close to failing my checkride after an simulated engine failure because I almost climbed over a small town but luckily ended up going barely north of it). Keeping this in mind, be sure not to inadvertently climb too high and into the C.

EDIT: and of course, like you and everone else said, be sure to check with your instructor before flying off on your own.

[CHERN]

thanks...that's what I kinda was hoping...

also...what are the repercussions of inadvertenly flying into class C airspace?

:-wave

[pacallen]

>also...what are the repercussions of inadvertenly flying
>into class C airspace?

Don't know... Don't want to find out :). I would imagine just a slap on the wrist like center following your plane back to your home airport then giving the airport/your flight school a phone call. You might give approach a call if you realize you've done it and you should get off alright.

[KathyPilot]

Overall, pcallen gave you the best advice. Squawk VFR, contact APP just to let them know your who/what/where intentions, and I will add that you might want to monitor their frequency while under the ring.

"what are the repercussions of inadvertenly flying into class C airspace"

Well, there is Class C airspace and there is Class C airspace. What does that mean? I/we don't know where you live or the Class C that you are working with. You will discover in your flying adventures the not all FISDO and controlling offices of the ATC system are the same (sometimes they act like fiefdoms) Local variances exists and there are only a few places you can find that information. One of them - NOTAMS (maybe) and another, local pilots (i.e. your instructor).

If you bust a ring what will happen? Maybe nothing or maybe you will get a suspension - it all depends on the guy/gal at the screen and the problems you cause them and others. BTW, your instructor will get a piece of the bad pie as well - he signed you off.

I'm sure you will do just fine and have a wonderful and memorable experience flying over your house - everyone does it and remembers their first time, you will too (posting this reply brought back that old memory...thanks). A word of caution - while you are circling and looking down and around remember first things first...aviate.

Good Luck
Kathy