Clearance Across Atlanta

[Hank]

I'm headed off to western NC tomorrow after work from my new Home in Alabama. Bob's event will be Stop #2 after Mom & Dad. This will be my first flight there from this direction (047° true). My previous flights have been coming over the mountains, about 145° true.

So the direct course will take me right through the heart of Atlanta Bravo. My expectations are for a reroute. Any idea what to expect? Is there a good altitude to file and improve my chance of avoiding central South Carolina on my way to the mountains? The course is 10 nm south of ATL, on a line from Falcon to Barrow County.

I'll find out in less than 24 hours, I'm just curious. Seems like we have many members in the metro area.

[Rwsavory]

If you are VFR you can request an "over the top" clearance through the Bravo from Atlanta Approach.  If available, they will clear you directly over Atlanta Hartsfield at 4500 MSL or thereabouts.  If you are IFR expect a re-route well clear of the Bravo.  You can also use the T-Routes if /G capable.

[carusoam]

Hank,

What altitude are you filing?

Just interested,

-a-

[Hank]

I'd like to go IFR, at whatever altitude will keep me out of the boonies. Don't think T-routes will apply, but I just updated my data card last night (G430W). Hopefully all of today's yuck will be gone by then, but I don't mind a few clouds.

Back and forth to WV, I just skirted the west edge, usually over/near West Ga Regional.

[Mooneymite]

"Over the top" of KATL is actually an uncharted VFR corridor that runs N/S over the airport....it shifts E/W depending on which way Hartsfield is operating. You will cross over top, 90 degrees to the runways, approximately 8 miles south to about 8 miles north of the airport usually at 4500'. It's like being in a sewer pipe....no escape. Approach will watch you closely and you will do as instructed.

ATL approach is actually very accommodating when it can be.....however, the heavy metal is the first concern. I can't tell you approach will/won't do anything because it just depends on traffic volume. I will say it is sometimes "surprisingly accomodating".

If you're tracking south of ATL, the B isn't all that restrictive to fly under. Approach likes for you to be at least 500' below the floor even though you'd be legal 1' below. Regardless of IFR/VFR, keep you head on a swivel, there's lots of air traffic.

Really isn't a big deal if you follow the rules and use common sense.

[PMcClure]

My experience is they keep you as far out of Bravo on IFR flight plans as they can. The best way to short cut Atlanta Bravo is to fly over the top (VFR or IFR) or fly under the deck. If you do get routed around, pick an altitude less than 10,000. Above that, I get requests to move further out for interference on incoming jet traffic. But sometimes I get lucky and they clear me right through. I have given up trying to figure out a pattern!

[Hank]

Guess I can start around 5000, but I need to be above 6000 before Toccoa. I'd rather just climb to 9000 here in Alabama and go straight. Guess il see what I can bargain for, I should be with Atlanta Center for 15-20 minutes before I get there.

[Mooneymite]

If you want to fly above the ATL class B, notice that the top is 12,500, not the typical 10K.

[Dave Marten]

Hank,

Don't over think it. If you want 9000 and IFR then file it and file direct destination. Roll them dice and have your pencil ready to copy any revised routing. Jump in that big blue swimming pool that's depicted on the chart. You'll gain confidence. Besides your Mooney will be happier at 9k.

Don't fear the Bravo!

[Hank]

Thanks, Dave. I'm not afraid of the Bravo, I just don't want a half-hour tour through east Georgia and South Carolina getting past it.

[PMcClure]

Have a good trip. Let us know what routing you get.

[Hank]

Roger. Ready to copy.

[Marauder]

Roger. Ready to copy.

Mooney Hotel Alpha November Kilo proceed direct to DAWGS intersection and GRITZ out of my airspace

[Bob_Belville]

Hank, look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

 

I would file via dir SINCA dir @ 7000 or even 5000. That intersection is on a Victor airway and keeps you a little east of the B. I used it for trips KMRN to KECP for Mooney Summit and a trip to KCSG. (@ 9000 ATC might want you further east. You don't need 9000 for terrain coming in here from that direction.)

[Marauder]

Hank, look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

I would file via dir SINCA dir @ 7000 or even 5000. That intersection is on a Victor airway and keeps you a little east of the B. I used it for trips KMRN to KECP for Mooney Summit and a trip to KCSG. (@ 9000 ATC might want you further east. You don't need 9000 for terrain coming in here from that direction.)

You SINCA that will keep him out of trouble with the Atlanta boyz?

[Hank]

Mooney Hotel Alpha November Kilo proceed direct to DAWGS intersection and GRITZ out of my airspace

Roger. War Eagle! (and gone . . . )

Thanks for the help, Bob. I'll try that this evening and direct back on Sunday, and see what the difference is.

[Hank]

Hank, look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

 

I would file via dir SINCA dir @ 7000 or even 5000. That intersection is on a Victor airway and keeps you a little east of the B. I used it for trips KMRN to KECP for Mooney Summit and a trip to KCSG. (@ 9000 ATC might want you further east. You don't need 9000 for terrain coming in here from that direction.)

 

Straight down V20, then turn north direct 33A. Looks too easy . . . I'll time it, since my brother lives near MLJ and we're going there for Thanksgiving.

 

Off to MRN in the morning.

[Hank]

On the way up, I was cleared direct climbing through 3000 msl. About the time I leveled off and was leaning, he came back with a reroute. I asked for SINCA, that's what he was about to give me "to keep me outside the 40 DME ring."

It added 15-20 minutes to the trip of ~1:45. When I made the 40 degree left turn, I lost 10 knots too.

But I'm looking forward to coming back next year, if it doesn't interfere with Summit III.

[laytonl]

Hank, Sinca is your best bet. An option if VFR is Husky intersection and stay low. Lee