Class C airspace

[kerry]

I'm going to make a flight to Southern California and landing at John Wayne SNA.  SNA is surrounded by class C.  I've been to many airports in class B but never class C.  I assumed transitioning through class C would be similar to a Bravo clearance but I read this article on AOPA that says you don't need permission to enter class C.  It does mention you have to be in radio contact with ATC.  I take it you would have to be in radio contact prior to entering class C.  Generally do you ask permission or just tell ATC your transitioning.  Just curious on the proper radio phrasing.     http://flighttraining.aopa.org/learntofly/works/airspace.html

[midlifeflyer]

Class C works exactly like Class D. No clearance required but you must establish 2-way communications before entering. What togerl said about hearing your tail number is correct - responding with your tail number means you have established 2-way communications. Not hearing your tail number means you have not.

 

For transitioning, again like Class D, all you need to do is tell them your direction of flight. Landing at SNA? Simple. Exactly like Class D. Nothing special except you call further out. "SoCal Approach. Mooney 1234X. 20 north with [ATIS]. Landing John Wayne."

[N33GG]

If they are busy, I would first simply say XYZ Approach Mooney 1234M and wait for them to reply. When they call back for your turn to speak, then it is Mooney 1234M position, altitude, with information Atis code, and request.

Class B you need to hear cleared into class B.

The C in class C stands for communicate. No need to ask for clearance into class C, just be in communication, which means 2-way communication.

In general, class C you will be talking to approach. Class D, you may be only talking to D' Tower, and no approach. Equipment requirements (transponder and encoder) are different also.

[PTK]

Also don't forget to slow down!!!

 

Speed limit is 200 KIAS when within 4 nm/<= 2500 AGL of Charlie! 

[N201MKTurbo]

I never go there VFR. if you can go IFR I'd do it. The airspace over there is crazy. When IFR it all goes away.

[bonal]

Where are you flying from Kerry

[Jerry 5TJ]

I've flown into KSNA perhaps 200 times in the Mooneys.  Never VFR, always have filed IFR.  It is much simpler.  The problem is not the Class C, it is all the other overlying airspace all around John Wayne.  

[kerry]

Where are you flying from Kerry

Las Vegas.  

[kerry]

I've flown into KSNA perhaps 200 times in the Mooneys.  Never VFR, always have filed IFR.  It is much simpler.  The problem is not the Class C, it is all the other overlying airspace all around John Wayne. 

From the South and East all I see is Class C.  I know it's a busy airport but I'll just have to wait my turn if needed.  Funny, I was watching youtube video and tower had the pilot circle 3 times before before they we're cleared to land at SNA.

[carqwik]

If you're coming from Vegas, you'll pretty much be above, in, or near Class C airspace from the Cajon Pass to KSNA.  Call SoCal Approach when you get in the pass even if you're above the top of the Charlie airspace...and you'll be in radar control all the way to KSNA.  Be prepared for frequent frequency changes, possible sequencing into KSNA, or be assigned 20L after being vectored south of the airport for a left pattern entry.  Go to Atlantic.

 

Lots of air traffic in Socal...keep an eye out all the time and do not rely on ATC for separation.

 

Go IFR if you can...

[bonal]

Can you go IFR, If not (like me) +1 on Cajon Pass Joshua Approach will take you into the Basin then So Cal, you will be high for the pass and be prepared to go lower to 6500 to get under the approach for Ontario. San Bernardino to French valley puts you east and south of the very active parachute activity at Perris and on top of the March ARB Charlie space.

then a hard right at French Valley to SNA.  Lots of traffic both in the sky and on the frequency so stay sharp. A great experience opportunity

[cliffy]

I go there VFR quite often from the LAS area  Just as mentioned above contact approach as you cross the pass, review the airspace altitudes before you go They may even tell you what altitude they want. Just prepare before you go by knowing the VOR names and some airports. It's not that hard just busy. 

If you go in June just be aware of the "June Gloom"  Overcast every day. Called the Marine Layer. Usually clears out by 12 or 1 PM. 

They'll probably send you south around Corona Airport then west thru the pass. 

[Guitarmaster]

If they are busy, I would first simply say XYZ Approach Mooney 1234M and wait for them to reply. When they call back for your turn to speak, then it is Mooney 1234M position, altitude, with information Atis code, and request.

Class B you need to hear cleared into class B.

The C in class C stands for communicate. No need to ask for clearance into class C, just be in communication, which means 2-way communication.

In general, class C you will be talking to approach. Class D, you may be only talking to D' Tower, and no approach. Equipment requirements (transponder and encoder) are different also.

That's funny... We just had an Ovation in the shop on my field with that exact tail number!