San Diego Class B Transitions

[Nick Warren]

So, I've done the VFR corridor a few times taking a run down the channel down towards SDM then back up, but always thought it would be nice to be able to get lower than what the corridor allows for. In doing some research, I found that there is a number of local class bravo transitions that aren't necessarily published, but are well in use. I know one is the Taxiway Delta transition which is basically a 1500ft overflight of SAN along taxiway delta. Additionally there are a few others, one being called the offshore (I think), and another. Information is somewhat difficult to find that provides solid instructions for each procedure. They do involve getting clearances from both SAN and North Island Towers, transiting their airspace at altitudes varying between 500 and 1500ft. It provides an immense view of the San Diego area (is even overall called the San Diego bay tour), and would love to take them on, especially with all of the new San Diego scenery that is coming out. Has anyone ever heard of or utilized these local procedures? On the ATC side, would these local procedures be known if requested?

Here is a youtube clip of a pilot flying the San Diego bay tour with the bravo transitions. Looks like a great time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCf-f6T6wxg

Nick

[Nick Warren]

Learned a bit more about these procedures, and flew it offline for orientation. Screenshots and info at:
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2695

Nick

[Keith Smith]

It's interesting, LAX gets all the focus with its Bravo transitions, but in 6000+ hrs of controlling across two networks, I've had just two pilots request specific transitions on the San Diego Bravo in the way that you described. I'm sure it happens every day real world, for some reason, it just isn't being practiced much online.

We don't currently have this level of detail for that particular airport. If you make a request with what you'd like to do, it will probably be allowed, traffic permitting, but I can't promise that if you asked for generic transition that you'd get instructions that mirrored the real world.

We have worked hard to get our local IFR departure instructions to match r/w, but the same isn't true for VFR, partially because we didn't think the demand was there, and partially because getting that data can be a lot more tricky.

Thanks for the pics and video, though. "Boat or plane?" that's a bit of a stretch...a low flying fan, he may as well have been up in the flight levels up there

[Keith Smith]

Alrighty, I conferred with Ops and we can integrate this...it's underway. The clincher here was that you got the data and it's not too complicated.

[Nick Warren]

Awesome Keith. Thank you to you and your crew. I look forward to giving it a go online. You're right about the video. People find humor in many different neighborhoods. The other vid clip I posted in the screenshots was a bit more condensed, and had some of the comms. Thanks again!

Nick

[Nick Warren]

Finally got around to flying this one over the weekend. The controller was great and you would've thought he handed out these transitions all day long. I did notice one hitch that I didn't even think about initially. With North Island being uncontrolled on PE it removes a communication element of this route. Not a big deal, just took me a few to realize/remember why North Island tower wasn't answering me as I rounded Pt. Loma. I highly recommend the flight to anyone looking for some fun and scenic VFR.

Nick

[thecapt42]

I'm a CFI out of KMYF and my go-to intro flight/sight-seeing flight includes a few of these transitions. Heading westbound from KMYF, just north of Mission Bay, call up KSAN when clear of the Delta and request shoreline transition southbound at or below 500'. They'll clear you into the Bravo and usually have you report passing Ocean Beach Pier. You'll then contact tower at North Island and request transition through the bay. They'll usually ask intentions, and I'll say a 180 at Coronado bridge for the Taxiway Delta transition. They'll clear you through the bay at 800' avoiding overflight of an naval vessel in port. They'll have you either report 1 mile N of the bridge or report your 180. After the 180, call up KSAN again and request the Taxiway Delta transition to your destination. They'll clear you for a climb to 1500' and clear you over taxiway D which is right of the approach end of Runway 27 direct to MZB VOR. Once you get to the VOR, back to 1200 on the box and own Nav. Hands down one of my favs in the area as you can drop it down nice and low for the shoreline transition(they do say 500' or BELOW!), just make sure you're not buzzing any boats or surfers, and you get a great view through the bay and of downtown SD.

[stevekirks]

Here's a great YouTube video with ATC comms included.

http://youtu.be/lShqfB4Xoh4

"Coastal flight from John Wayne airport (KSNA) to Brown Field (KSDM) located just above the US/Mexico border."

[Ryan B]

Superb video!! Thanks

[Nick Warren]

Great information and a great video. If I ever find myself flying down south IRL, I'd love to give this a go. It's such a beautiful area.