2 Questions for pilots?

Question

I am a student pilot, and my instructor is not currently available to answer these 2 questions:

1) I understand that there are different communications required for entry into different airspace. I believe that, to enter class B(ravo) airspace, ATC must specifically use the word "cleared", as in "you are cleared to operate in class B airspace, and, as far as I know, to get into class C(harlie), ATC must say your airplane's tail #. What is the required communication to get into class A(lpha) and D(elta)?

2) I understand that we should adjust our altimeter every so often to make up for the changes in pressure that we come across. Who do you contact to find out the local altimeter setting. Or what about if your flying in the middle of the desert and there is no one around to call?

Answer 1

JoelKatz is correct.  VFR pilots really need to hear "cleared" to be legal.  Listening to IFR radio calls, you won't hear "cleared to enter Class B" from the TRACON because their IFR clearance was given before taking off.  That IFR clearance included a flight plan route into Class B, and they are under positive control during the entire flight, so they are only flying where directed by ATC anyway.

Answer 2

for altimeter setting tune in the nearest AWOS/ATIS.  On your map you'll have that info next to the airfields.  If you are in the middle of nowhere then use the alt. of the field you departed from.  You can call flight watch on 122.0 to get updated weather info.

Answer 3

1)  Most clearances do not include the word "cleared."  As you will notice (when monitoring radar approach control for a Class B airport) heading, route, or altitude clearances into Class B airspace don't usually include the work "cleared."

2)  Call on an ARTCC frequency.  Some sector frequencies are shown on low altitude IFR enroute charts.  Or call flight service on 122.2.

Answer 4

Just to respond to Mark's answer, I've flown VFR into class Bravo airspace many times, and I've always heard the exact words "cleared to enter class Bravo" or very, very similar. This may not be standard IFR practice, but it is definitely standard VFR practice.

Other instructions within class Bravo don't usually include the word cleared (and may say 'approved as requested' or just direct a particular action). But the initial clearance to enter class Bravo has always, in my VFR experience, included the word "cleared" followed shortly by the word "Bravo".

Answer 5

For class A you must be on an instrument flight plan and in contact with ATC

class D same as C, ...communication established

(your tail number) if they say; aircraft calling, stand by, you have not established comm and must wait out side the airspace until

comm IS established.

Take a look at the AIM (Airman's Information Manual) chapter 3 section 2.

available online at:

http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/a...

Sec. 91.121 - Altimeter settings.

(a) Each person operating an aircraft shall maintain the cruising altitude or flight level of that aircraft, as the case may be, by reference to an altimeter that is set, when operating --

(1) Below 18,000 feet MSL, to --

(i) The current reported altimeter setting of a station along the route and within 100 nautical miles of the aircraft;

(ii) If there is no station within the area prescribed in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, the current reported altimeter setting of an appropriate available station; or

(iii) In the case of an aircraft not equipped with a radio, the elevation of the departure airport or an appropriate altimeter setting available before departure; or