← airspace

Flying into Class Bravo: the radio calls & what you need

To enter
Specific clearance — ATC must say "cleared into the Class Bravo."

What you need to enter

A specific clearance, not just two-way contact. Until you hear "cleared into the Class Bravo," you stay out. You also need a Mode C transponder and, for the primary airport, a private certificate or student endorsement.

The call

Call the approach facility with type, position, altitude, and request: "Norcal Approach, Cessna One Two Three Four Five, two zero miles south, four thousand five hundred, request Bravo transition." Then wait for the clearance before entering.

Read it back

Read back the clearance and any altitude or heading restriction: "Cleared into the Class Bravo, maintain at or below three thousand five hundred, Cessna One Two Three Four Five."

If you are not cleared

If you only get "remain clear of the Bravo," you must stay out until cleared. Acknowledge it and hold outside the boundary.