When departing VFR from an airport with no control tower within the 30nm Mode C range of Class B airspace, but remaining below the Class B floors, do you still need to contact ATC? I'm assuming if so you just need radio contact and not any clearances. But if so, what's the proper phraseology and who would you contact?Thanks,Persephone

Hi Persephone:As long as you remain outside the class B, you do not need to make radio contact, just make sure your transponder is on ALT as long as you are inside that 30 mile ring ( you probably would want to anyway ). If you need to cross into any class B you need a CLEARANCE, you call up ATC tell them who you are, where you are and where you want to go..proper way would be something like " Charlotte appproach,Cessna 123 just off ABC airport going to ANYWHERES Airport, request permission to transition your airspace at 4000." ATC will come back and will usually give you a sqwak code and tell you to remain clear until they identify you on their scope. Then if they can do as you requested they will simply tell you "Cessna 123 cleared into the class bravo airspace as requested, maintain 4000" or give you vectors around certain sectors till they can let you resume your navigation .The important thing is you MUST have clearance, if you call up and get "stand by",etc you are NOT cleared and if you enter the class B you have just made a big boo boo and will be told so in a rather unfriendly way. ( I have found most Class B controllers to be very nice, but fast talkers...they have to be to handle the workload!)Hope this helps....Merry Christams!

You are going to want to also check the local TAC charts for Bravo transition routes. You most likely won't get in just anywhere in the "cake", unless you already have flight following and are intending to land at an airport inside Bravo.Chris

Assuming the floor of the Class B airspace doesn't go all the way to the surface, as long as you are below the floor, then you are not in the Class B airspace and therefore do not need a clearance. It would be like flying in any other Class E airspace.Matt