Birthday Bash Flight Planning

[Dustin]

I'm trying to do some flight planning for the Birthday Bash event. I'm new to flying VFR in such complicated airspace so I need a little help.

For the KSBA to KLGB segment I'm debating on how to get through the LAX Bravo. I'm planning on getting a flight following. Do I have to request a Bravo transition, or will I be cleared to enter the Bravo when I get close? Basically what would you do/expect to get through the Bravo?

And the same question for the second leg, I could technically stay under the Bravo for the second leg, but what fun is that?

[Donovan]

Hi Dustin,

I'm sure there are a number of approaches to planning this as a VFR flight. The COASTAL ROUTE is one possiblity.

My own preference would be to plan to use the MINI ROUTE Southbound as depicted on the Los Angeles TAC (left side, insert), but be prepared for either route.

Refering to the PilotEdge Reference Material "Flying the mini-route on PilotEdge" ==> http://training.pilotedge.net/object/mi ... tedge.html

"Southeastbound: During PilotEdge operating hours, Santa Monica Tower will coordinate transitions through the Mini Route. Proceed to Loyola College (LMU) at 2500 feet. SMO Tower will issue a squawk and hand you to LAX Tower on 119.80. LAX Tower will have you IDENT, issue radar contact and clear you into the Bravo airspace via the Mini Route, asking you to report passing overhead (LAX). After this, radar services will be terminated and you'll be handed to Hawthorne Tower, after which you will be released to your own frequency, or to Socalif you want further advisories.

Remain clear of Bravo airspace until clearance is received. Fixed-wing, non-turbojet aircraft only. LAX must be in a west traffic or over-ocean (generally midnight to 0630 local) configuration and reporting a ceiling of at least 3000 feet and visibility of at least three miles. Hawthorne and Santa Monica Airports must be VFR."

There is a nice video link on this page of the route and ATC/Pilot communications on the page.

You absolutely MUST be specifically cleared to enter Class Bravo airspace BEFORE you enter. On the MINI ROUTE
the class Bravo clearance functions are specifically assigned to KSMO Tower southbound, and KHHR northbound (during
normal operating hours, (after hours it is LAX Tower on 119.8)

If you haven't recently re-viewed them, I would highly recommend videos from the PilotEdge Workshop Series
"Scenario-based VFR flight planning and communication (part 3) " As all the workshops in the series, I feel they are FANTASTIC,
and I learn more every time I view them. Extremely practical, and straightfoward, and loaded with answers to questions I hadn't
even known I had!

==> http://www.pilotedge.net/workshops/scen ... ion-part-3

Hope this is of help, I am looking forward to the Bash also!

Don

[Keith Smith]

I wouldn't expect a Bravo transition without asking. It's your responsibility to obtain the Bravo clearance prior to entering the airspace. Since there are so many transition options (SFRA, mini-route, coastal, hollywood park, etc), as well as the option to go underneath the airspace, ATC has no insight as to the specifics of your plan, so you need to share.

The V-3 rating helps to learn this material as well as the workshops as Don pointed out.

Good luck and enjoy the event!