What initial action should a pilot take prior to entering Class C airspace?

What initial action should a pilot take prior to entering Class C airspace?

• A. Contact approach control on the appropriate frequency
• B. File a flight plan
• C. Squawk 1200
• D. Monitor UNICOM

Answer: (A)

In Class C airspace, you must establish two-way radio communication with ATC before you enter. The initial action is to contact approach control on the appropriate frequency to let ATC know you’re entering and to receive instructions and a discrete transponder code. Once ATC assigns a code, you’ll set your transponder to that code and continue to maintain communication while inside the airspace. This is required because ATC radar services and monitoring are provided in Class C, and entering without establishing contact would leave you without the necessary ATC coordination. Squawking 1200 is not appropriate here since a discrete code is required, UNICOM isn’t used for entry into controlled airspace, and filing a flight plan isn’t a prerequisite for VFR entry into Class C.

In Class C airspace, you must establish two-way radio communication with ATC before you enter. The initial action is to contact approach control on the appropriate frequency to let ATC know you’re entering and to receive instructions and a discrete transponder code. Once ATC assigns a code, you’ll set your transponder to that code and continue to maintain communication while inside the airspace. This is required because ATC radar services and monitoring are provided in Class C, and entering without establishing contact would leave you without the necessary ATC coordination. Squawking 1200 is not appropriate here since a discrete code is required, UNICOM isn’t used for entry into controlled airspace, and filing a flight plan isn’t a prerequisite for VFR entry into Class C.