When operating from a satellite airport located within Class C airspace, what action must the pilot take after takeoff?

When operating from a satellite airport located within Class C airspace, what action must the pilot take after takeoff?

• A. File a flight plan with FSS prior to takeoff.
• B. Continue as if in uncontrolled airspace until you reach cruise altitude.
• C. Contact the local ground crew for advisories.
• D. Contact ATC as soon as practicable after takeoff.

Answer: (D)

In Class C airspace, two-way radio communication with ATC is required for operations within that airspace. Departing from a satellite airport that lies inside Class C means you are in controlled airspace from the moment you take off, so ATC needs to be aware of your airborne status and can provide traffic advisories and sequencing. Therefore, you should contact ATC as soon as practicable after takeoff to establish communication and obtain any necessary instructions. The other options don’t fit because filing a flight plan with FSS isn’t required for a typical VFR departure from a satellite airport inside Class C, you wouldn’t treat the airspace as uncontrolled, and there’s no need to contact a ground crew for advisories.

In Class C airspace, two-way radio communication with ATC is required for operations within that airspace. Departing from a satellite airport that lies inside Class C means you are in controlled airspace from the moment you take off, so ATC needs to be aware of your airborne status and can provide traffic advisories and sequencing. Therefore, you should contact ATC as soon as practicable after takeoff to establish communication and obtain any necessary instructions.

The other options don’t fit because filing a flight plan with FSS isn’t required for a typical VFR departure from a satellite airport inside Class C, you wouldn’t treat the airspace as uncontrolled, and there’s no need to contact a ground crew for advisories.