Which initial action should a pilot take prior to entering Class C airspace?

Which initial action should a pilot take prior to entering Class C airspace?

• A. Contact the tower and request permission to enter
• B. Contact the FSS for traffic advisories
• C. Contact approach control on the appropriate frequency
• D. Squawk a discrete code

Answer: (C)

Entering Class C airspace requires establishing two-way radio communication with ATC before you enter. The first step is to contact approach control on the proper frequency to establish that communication and receive instructions, including any required sequencing or clearance and the assigned transponder code. Approach control is the facility responsible for managing entry into Class C, so initiating contact there is the correct initial action. The tower is typically involved once you’re inside or being sequenced, not the initial action to gain entry. FSS provides general information but does not grant entry into Class C. The discrete transponder code is assigned by ATC after you’re in communication, so you should not squawk a code until you receive one.

Entering Class C airspace requires establishing two-way radio communication with ATC before you enter. The first step is to contact approach control on the proper frequency to establish that communication and receive instructions, including any required sequencing or clearance and the assigned transponder code. Approach control is the facility responsible for managing entry into Class C, so initiating contact there is the correct initial action.

The tower is typically involved once you’re inside or being sequenced, not the initial action to gain entry. FSS provides general information but does not grant entry into Class C. The discrete transponder code is assigned by ATC after you’re in communication, so you should not squawk a code until you receive one.