Class C VFR entry procedure
Class C has one fixed VFR entry procedure (TC AIM RAC 5.8), baseline only: check the VTA chart for extra procedures a given Class C area adds.
Pilot side:
| Step | Requirement | Ref |
|---|---|---|
| Before contacting ATC | Get ATIS, when available | - |
| Contact ATC before entry | On the VFR advisory frequency shown on the VTA chart. Report: items below | - |
| Clearance first | Get ATC clearance before entering. Contact alone does not authorize entry. FSS call is not ATC clearance (CAR 601.08(1)) | - |
| Crossing a Class C control zone | Advise ATC of intentions, obtain a clearance | CAR 601.08(1) |
| Radio | Carry two-way radio capable of communicating with ATC. Establish and maintain two-way communication with the appropriate ATC unit | RAC 2.8.3(a)(i); PSTAR 13.12 |
| Listening watch | continuous, on ATC-assigned frequency, whole time in Class C airspace | RAC 2.8.3(b) |
| Comply with ATC instructions | Instruction would break terrain/obstacle clearance or VFR flight: advise ATC immediately. ATC then issues alternate instructions | CAR 602.19(1)(a) |
| Comply with ATC instructions | Heading would conflict with other traffic: alter heading to avoid it, advise ATC | CAR 602.19(1)(a) |
Contact ATC before entry, report:
- Aircraft type and identification
- Position: preferably over a VFR checkpoint on the VTA chart, or bearing and distance from it
- Altitude
- Destination and route
- Transponder code (if equipped) and ATIS code received
ATC side:
| ATC action | Detail |
|---|---|
| Identifies | Uses ATS surveillance. May ask for report over additional fixes or squawk ident. Flights not on specific tracks (sightseeing, local training) may not get this service; told if so |
| Routing and vectors | As needed. Told when vectoring stops, except when handed to a tower. May be held at a fix awaiting a landing-sequence slot |
| Traffic information | Two or more aircraft hold at the same fix, or a surveillance target looks like a hazard in the controller's judgement |
| Conflict resolution | IFR/VFR when required. VFR/VFR only on request |
Trap: initial call is a fixed five items (type/ID, position, altitude, destination/route, transponder+ATIS code): no flight-plan padding like fuel or souls on board, and never skip the terrain-clearance advisory just because ATC issued the instruction.
References
- TC AIM RAC 5.8
- CAR 601.08(1)
- CAR 602.19(1)(a)