No person may operate an aircraft within a Class B airspace area except in compliance with FAR 91.129 and 91.131
The operator must receive an ATC clearance from the ATC facility having jurisdiction for that area before operating an aircraft in that area
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each person operating a large turbine engine-powered airplane to or from a primary airport for which a Class B airspace area is designated must operate at or above the designated floors of the Class B airspace area while within the lateral limits of that area
Any person conducting pilot training operations at an airport within a Class B airspace area must comply with any procedures established by ATC for such operations in that area
Departing from an airport in Class Bravo airspace can be very intimidating, especially single-piloted
If VFR, you can expect there are standard departure paths assigned
Local pilots, FBOs, or ATC can tell you in advance with a simple phone call
If departing under class Bravo, you do not need to comply with any of class Bravo restrictions, with the exception of having an altitude encoding transponder, unless exempt, as described below
If departing inside of class Bravo, you must follow the departure in accordance with tower and contact class Bravo as soon as instructed for further clearance
Approach Control Service for VFR Arriving Aircraft:
Numerous approach control facilities have established programs for arriving VFR aircraft to contact approach control for landing information. This information includes wind, runway, and altimeter setting at the airport of the intended landing. This information may be omitted if contained in the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcast and the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code
Pilot's use of "have numbers" does not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast. In addition, the controller will provide traffic advisories on a workload-permitting basis
Such information will be furnished upon initial contact with the concerned approach control facility
ATC will request the pilot change to the tower frequency at a predetermined time or point to receive further landing information
Where available, the use of this procedure will not hinder the operation of VFR flights by requiring excessive spacing between aircraft or devious routing
Compliance with this procedure is not mandatory, but pilot participation is encouraged
Approach control services for VFR aircraft are normally dependent on ATC radar. These services are not available during periods of a radar outage
Examples of Class Bravo Altitudes
Class Bravo Airspace Dimensions:
San Francisco (KSFO) Class Bravo Airspace
Simplification of the Class B airspace area configuration while reducing the number of sub-areas is a prime requisite
Its vertical and lateral limits are standardized to the maximum extent possible to contain all instrument procedures within
This airspace should be initially designed in a circular configuration centered at the primary airport
Describe the airspace area using NAVAIDs as references where available on the primary airport in the following order of preference: VORTAC, VOR/DME, etc.
Lateral Limits:
The outer limits of the airspace do not exceed a 30 NM radius from the primary airport
This 30 NM radius will generally be divided into three concentric circles: an inner 10 NM radius, a middle 20 NM radius, and an outer 30 NM radius
The inner 10 NM radius area may be subdivided based on operational needs, runway alignment, adjacent regulatory airspace, or adjacent airports
The areas between 10 to 20 NM and 20 to 30 NM may be vertically subdivided because of terrain or other regulatory airspace
Vertical Limits:
Generally extends from surface to 10,000' MSL with some exceptions (Atlanta) around the nation's busiest airports
Consists of a surface area and two or more layers (some Class B airspace areas resemble upside-down wedding cakes)
The inner 10 NM area must normally extend from the surface to the upper limits of the airspace
This segment may be adjusted to coincide with runway alignment, adjacent airports, other regulatory airspace, etc., but must encompass, as a minimum, all final approach fixes and minimum altitudes at the final approach fix
The floor of the area between 10 and 20 NM must be predicated on a 300-foot per NM gradient for 10 NM. This segment will normally have a floor between 2,800 feet and 3,000 feet above airport elevation
This floor must remain constant for that segment, but may be adjusted considering terrain and adjacent regulatory airspace
However, segmentation should be held to an absolute minimum
The floor of the area between 20 and 30 NM must be at an altitude consistent with approach control arrival and departure procedures
It is expected that this floor would normally be between 5,000 and 6,000 feet above airport elevation
In the segment between 20 and 30 NM, exclusions are permitted to accommodate adjacent regulatory airspace and/or terrain
Individually tailored designated to contain all published instrument approaches
Satellite Airports:
When establishing the airspace floor, consider the adverse effect on satellite airport operations as well as operations at the primary airport. When airspace directly over a satellite airport is not required, it should be excluded from the Class B airspace. Special published traffic patterns and/or procedures may be required for satellite airports
San Francisco (KSFO) Class Bravo Airspace
Class Bravo Airspace Depiction:
Amazon, Sectional Charts
Class Bravo airspace is depicted on the following charts:
Class Bravo Operating Rules & Pilot/Equipment Requirements:
VFR Visibility Requirements:
3 SM visibility, clear of clouds
Entry Requirements:
Regardless of weather conditions, an ATC clearance is required for all aircraft to operate in the area, and all aircraft that are so cleared receive separation services within the airspace
An ATC clearance is recognized by hearing "you are cleared"
YOU: "[Callsign], [Location], with [Information], request"
ATC: "[Callsign], [Agency], cleared to [Clearance], [Restrictions]"
Unlike Class Charlie or Delta, if you hear "Standby" or any other variation that does not have the word "Cleared" then you do not have permission to enter the airspace
After January 1, 2020, the applicable Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out equipment specified in 91.225
Transponders are also required within 30 NM of the primary airport (i.e., when within the Mode-C veil), at any altitude
ADS-B Out Requirements
Navigation Equipment:
An operable VOR or TACAN receiver or an operable and suitable RNAV system
Communication Equipment:
Radios are required in order to maintain two-way radio communications with the controlling agency (described below)
Pilot Qualifications:
No person may take off or land a civil aircraft at an airport within a Class B airspace area or operate a civil aircraft within a Class B airspace area unless:
The pilot in command holds at least a private pilot certificate;
The pilot-in-command holds a recreational pilot certificate and has met the requirements of 14 CFR Section 61.101; or (c) The pilot-in-command holds a sport pilot certificate and has met the requirements of 14 CFR Section 61.325; or
The aircraft is operated by a student pilot:
Who seeks a private pilot certificate and
Has met the requirements of 14 CFR Section 61.95
Who seeks a recreational pilot certificate or sport pilot and has met the requirements of 14 CFR Section 61.94
Note that some class B airports prohibit student pilots, shown below
In addition, no person may take off or land a civil aircraft at those airports listed in section 4 of appendix D to this part unless the pilot in command holds at least a private pilot certificate
This is different from FAR 61.95 as recreational and sport pilots may operate within that list, however much of the list is similar
No person may take off or land a civil aircraft at the following primary airports within Class B airspace unless the pilot-in-command holds at least a private pilot certificate:
Andrews Air Force Base, MD
Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, GA
Boston Logan Airport, MA
Chicago O'Hare Int'l. Airport, IL
Dallas/Fort Worth Int'l. Airport, TX
Los Angeles Int'l. Airport, CA
Miami Int'l. Airport, FL
Newark Int'l. Airport, NJ
New York Kennedy Airport, NY
New York La Guardia Airport, NY
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DC
San Francisco Int'l. Airport, CA
ATC Clearances & Separation
An ATC clearance is required to enter and operate within Class B airspace
VFR pilots are provided sequencing and separation from other aircraft while operating within Class B airspace
Separation and sequencing of VFR aircraft will be suspended in the event of a radar outage as this service is dependent on radar. The pilot will be advised that the service is not available and issued wind, runway information and the time or place to contact the tower
VFR aircraft are separated from all VFR/IFR aircraft which weigh 19,000 pounds or less by a minimum of:
Target resolution, or
500' vertical separation, or
Visual separation
VFR aircraft are separated from all VFR/IFR aircraft which weigh more than 19,000 and turbojets by no less than:
1 1/2 miles lateral separation, or
500' vertical separation, or
Visual separation
This program is not to be interpreted as relieving pilots of their responsibilities to see and avoid other traffic operating in basic VFR weather conditions, to adjust their operations and flight path as necessary to preclude serious wake encounters, to maintain appropriate terrain and obstruction clearance or to remain in weather conditions equal to or better than the minimums required by 14 CFR Section 91.155. Approach control should be advised and a revised clearance or instruction obtained when compliance with an assigned route, heading and/or altitude is likely to compromise pilot responsibility with respect to terrain and obstruction clearance, vortex exposure, and weather minimums
ATC may assign altitudes to VFR aircraft that do not conform to 14 CFR Section 91.159
"Resume Appropriate VFR Altitudes" will be broadcast when the altitude assignment is no longer needed for separation or when leaving Class B airspace
Pilots must return to an altitude that conforms to 14 CFR Section 91.159
Not to relieve pilots of their responsibilities to see and avoid
This is the only airspace where VFR traffic is separated from other VFR traffic
Mode C Veil:
The Mode C Veil is that airspace generally within 30 nautical miles of primary airports within class B airspace areas, from the surface upward to 10,000' MSL
Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, aircraft operating within this airspace must be equipped with an operable radar beacon transponder with automatic altitude reporting capability and operable ADS-B Out equipment
Aircraft that were not originally certificated with an engine-driven electrical system or that have not subsequently been certified with a system installed may conduct operations within a Mode C veil provided the aircraft remains outside Class A, B or C airspace; and below the altitude of the ceiling of a Class B or Class C airspace area designated for an airport or 10,000' MSL, whichever is lower
Flight Procedures
Aircraft within Class B airspace are required to operate in accordance with current IFR procedures
A clearance for a visual approach to a primary airport is not authorization for turbine-powered airplanes to operate below the designated floors of the Class B airspace
VFR Flights:
Arriving aircraft must obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering Class B airspace and must contact ATC on the appropriate frequency, and in relation to geographical fixes shown on local charts
Although a pilot may be operating beneath the floor of the Class B airspace on initial contact, communications with ATC should be established in relation to the points indicated for spacing and sequencing purposes
Departing aircraft require a clearance to depart Class B airspace and should advise the clearance delivery position of their intended altitude and route of flight
ATC will normally advise VFR aircraft when leaving the geographical limits of the Class B airspace
Radar service is not automatically terminated with this advisory unless specifically stated by the controller
Aircraft not landing or departing the primary airport may obtain an ATC clearance to transit the Class B airspace when traffic conditions permit and provided the requirements of 14 CFR Section 91.131 are met
Such VFR aircraft are encouraged, to the extent possible, to operate at altitudes above or below the Class B airspace or transit through established VFR corridors
Pilots operating in VFR corridors are urged to use frequency 122.750 MHz for the exchange of aircraft position information
Large turbine engine-powered aircraft operations to or from a primary airport shall operate at or above the designated floors while within the limits of Class B airspace
A visual clearance to land is not an authorization for turbine-powered airplanes to operate below designated floors
Proximity Operations:
VFR aircraft operating in proximity to Class B airspace are cautioned against operating too closely to the boundaries, especially where the floor of the Class B airspace is 3,000 feet or less above the surface or where VFR cruise altitudes are at or near the floor of higher levels
Observance of this precaution will reduce the potential for encountering an aircraft operating at the altitudes of Class B floors
Additionally, VFR aircraft are encouraged to utilize the VFR Planning Chart as a tool for planning flight in proximity to Class B airspace
Charted VFR Flyway Planning Charts are published on the back of the existing VFR Terminal Area Charts
Speed Restrictions:
250 knots inside of airspace
200 knots under the airspace or in a corridor
Small Unmanned Aircraft Operations:
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in Class B unless that person has prior authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC)
No person may operate a small unmanned aircraft in a manner that interferes with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport, or seaplane base
Class Bravo Airspace Related Private Pilot (Airplane) Airman Certification Standards:
Private Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Airman Certification Standards:
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a private pilot
Class Bravo Airspace Related Commercial Pilot (Airplane) Airman Certification Standards:
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Airman Certification Standards:
Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with National Airspace System (NAS) operations under VFR as a commercial pilot
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Knowledge:
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
CA.I.E.K1:
Airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.
CA.I.E.K2:
Chart symbols.
CA.I.E.K3:
Special use airspace (SUA), special flight rules areas (SFRA), temporary flight restrictions (TFR), and other airspace areas.
CA.I.E.K4:
Special visual flight rules (VFR) requirements.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Risk Management:
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
CA.I.E.R1:
Various classes and types of airspace.
Commercial Pilot (Airplane) National Airspace System Skills:
The applicant exhibits the skill to:
CA.I.E.S1:
Identify and comply with the requirements for basic VFR weather minimums and flying in particular classes of airspace.
CA.I.E.S2:
Correctly identify airspace and operate in accordance with associated communication and equipment requirements.
CA.I.E.S3:
Identify the requirements for operating in SUA or within a TFR. Identify and comply with special air traffic rules (SATR) and SFRA operations, if applicable.
Conclusion:
Aircraft not landing or departing the primary airport may obtain a clearance to transit the airspace when traffic conditions permit, provided FAR 91.131 is met
Encouraged to operate above or below the airspace or transit VFR corridors making position reports on 122.750 MHz
Balance shortening your callsign vs. clarity when there can easily be multiple people using the same "number" or however it abbreviates
Example: Southern California with all of the military traffic "01" "22" etc.
Regardless of weather, pilots should not request a clearance to operate within Class B airspace unless the requirements of 14 CFR Section 91.215 and 14 CFR Section 91.131, 91.215, and 91.225 are met
ATC may, upon notification, immediately authorize a deviation from the altitude reporting equipment requirement; however, a request for a deviation from the 4096 transponder equipment requirement must be submitted to the controlling ATC facility at least one hour before the proposed operation. A request for a deviation from the ADS-B equipage requirement must be submitted using the FAA's automated web authorization tool at least one hour but not more than 24 hours before the proposed operation
