Second part of Coastal Route to LGB scenarios

[arb65912]

Gentlemen, I am planning on VFR KWJF-KLGB. After passing VNY, I will request class B transition via Coastal Route. What can I expect from ATC after I pass LAX VOR?
Coastal Route goes all the way to Vincent Thomas Bridge but I do not need to fly that far, I would like use visual point MOBIL ( what is it anyway?) and fly straight toward LGB.
Please chime in.

Cheers, AJ.

http://skyvector.com/?ll=33.87553354375 ... :A.K2.KLGB

[BeechV35Pilot]

Just south of LAX the class B shelf lefts to 5,000 feet minimum. One option might be to request a descent below the class B after passing LAX, which would then give you a more casual VFR cruise over to LGB, of course paying attention to LGB's class D.

[Alex Stjepanovic]

After LAX you get the rest of the route - The route is entered, flown and exited at the specified altitude. You can't climb into our out of it just anywhere(Hence the name "Transition").

[arb65912]

Thank you, both responses would work for me, if I did not get the descend permission from ATC , I would request it. Cheers, AJ

[BeechV35Pilot]

After LAX you get the rest of the route - The route is entered, flown and exited at the specified altitude. You can't climb into our out of it just anywhere(Hence the name "Transition").

So, are you saying that ATC would not allow a descent in these VFR routes if requested and traffic permitted?

[Alex Stjepanovic]

That's the understanding we have of how the real world does it, yes.

[arb65912]

Alex, I want to make sure I understand it properly, I would fly the WHOLE Coastal Route until the bridge and then I would be allowed to descend and turn or I would just wait for vectors to LGB assuming I requested flight following?

[BeechV35Pilot]

That's the understanding we have of how the real world does it, yes.

Being from the east coast the only VFR corridors I have flown have been alongside Manhattan (which aren't even the same animal ) and the ones over San Diego Int'l, hence my assumption that ATC would field a descent request. Wouldn't be the first time I have heard, "Unable."

In looking at the chart it seems that flying the entire route would only add a few minutes to the flight and perhaps be a better option for the OP anyhow, given the two class Ds and nearby lower class B shelf just to the north of Long Beach. The only challenge would be where to eventually get down to an acceptable approach altitude without busting any nearby airspace.

[Brandon Grchan]

In general, if cleared for the route you are expected to fly it in its entirety. Unless otherwise cleared.

That's the understanding we have of how the real world does it, yes.

This isn't exactly true.


VFR traffic transitioning via any of the routes is worked by a specific sector with corridors built to allow that traffic to pass without interfering LAX flows(as you know AT).

Traffic permitting ATC will allow aircraft to descend prior to completing the full transition IRL. However, timing, location, and controller preference play major factors in that. I would be 10x more inclined to let AJ descend south of LAX to LGB, where there isn't a solid arrival flow and I own the airspace below, then I would be to let him descend through the SADDE arrival corridor. Which requires a point out and no traffic to be there.

Also, entering the route from anywhere other than the starting points published is usually declined as it would require a climb through portions of the bravo that the routes are designed to avoid and another sectors airspace.

[Brandon Grchan]

I would just wait for vectors to LGB assuming I requested flight following?

Normally they will tell you that you are "exiting Bravo airspace, resume own navigation, blah blah". This means you can now navigate on your own again. You should not expect vectors.