PilotEdge Forums

Real pilot, working on my IR, and signed on to a busy area last night. Many times I've flown INTO a number of class charlie airports, did a touch-and-go, and then departed back to my quiet class G home drone. I had never DEPARTED from a class charlie though. Last night, I called GROUND at John Wayne and asked to depart VFR. As busy as he was, the controller reminded me that it was a class charlie airport and that I needed to contact Clearance Delivery first. Nice as could be. I smacked myself on the forehead, made my call, and departed shortly thereafter.

Great learning tool! I was intimidated at first for a variety of reasons but I can't think of a better learning environment for us practicing pilots trying to earn additional ratings.

Wade

Just curious, did you copy the ATIS at SNA? It reads, "VFR DEPARTURES CONTACT CLEARANCE DELIVERY, ADVISE ON COURSE HEADING, ALTITUDE, AND IF FLIGHT FOLLOWING IS REQUESTED. READ BACK ALL RUNWAY ASSIGNMENTS AND HOLD SHORT INSTRUCTIONS."