Cat 11 Questions
Posted: Thu May 31, 2018 5:55 pm
I failed the Cat 11 because I busted the San Diego Bravo. Here's what I think I learned:
1) I thought that because I was under positive control via communication with SoCal approach and he did not instruct me to remain outside the Bravo, I was good to go. I was wrong.
2) I was instructed to report when I had Mt Soledad in sight. I am not familiar with the San Diego area and Mt Soledad is not indicated on the Los Angeles sectional. I finally found it later on the San Diego TAC chart, so if you're planning the Cat 11, take the San Diego terminal area chart.
3) I don't understand how to fly down the coast, past Torrey Pines, past Mt Soledad to Mission bay toward Lindbergh field without busting the Bravo, there is probably a way but I have not found it. I guess next time I'll have to stay well North of the Bravo until cleared into it.
I'm starting to think that VFR flying by pilotage is no longer realistically viable, with the strict B, C, and D airspace restrictions,without GPS or multiple nav receivers, you just can't be exact enough to thread the needle. I'm flying a experimental with one nav/com and a mode C transponder.
I welcome your thoughts and advice.
1) I thought that because I was under positive control via communication with SoCal approach and he did not instruct me to remain outside the Bravo, I was good to go. I was wrong.
2) I was instructed to report when I had Mt Soledad in sight. I am not familiar with the San Diego area and Mt Soledad is not indicated on the Los Angeles sectional. I finally found it later on the San Diego TAC chart, so if you're planning the Cat 11, take the San Diego terminal area chart.
3) I don't understand how to fly down the coast, past Torrey Pines, past Mt Soledad to Mission bay toward Lindbergh field without busting the Bravo, there is probably a way but I have not found it. I guess next time I'll have to stay well North of the Bravo until cleared into it.
I'm starting to think that VFR flying by pilotage is no longer realistically viable, with the strict B, C, and D airspace restrictions,without GPS or multiple nav receivers, you just can't be exact enough to thread the needle. I'm flying a experimental with one nav/com and a mode C transponder.
I welcome your thoughts and advice.