What is required to enter Class C airspace?

Entering Class C airspace requires prior permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC). This requirement is in place to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft, particularly in busy terminal areas where Class C airspace is generally located.

Class C airspace usually surrounds airports with a significant volume of traffic, and ATC has the responsibility to separate and manage both arriving and departing flights, as well as any transit operations through this airspace. To enter, pilots must establish two-way communication with the appropriate ATC facility, which acknowledges their entry. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring that all aircraft in the vicinity are accounted for and properly sequenced, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions.

Traffic advisories and instructions provided by ATC help pilots navigate through Class C airspace safely, making this prior authorization an essential aspect of flying in these controlled environments.