Flight plan KSBP - KSBA

[mikealphacharlie]

Hi, I'm very new to PE so apologies if this is an inappropriate question. I am trying to create a VFR flight plan from KSBP to KSBA and have spent a considerable length of time studying the sectional chart. My problem is that I don't understand how to cross the seemingly impenetrable barrier of Class E and Special Military Activity airspace that is associated with Vandenberg AFB. Can anybody help to point my studies in the right direction?

I'd also be interested to understand how an IFR plan would tackle this problem.
Thanks
Steve

[Keith Smith]

Welcome to PE. Check out the PilotEdge Workshops series: http://www.pilotedge.net/workshops/

Start at the bottom and work up. You'll be relieved to know this is a relatively simple flight. I will admit, that military airspace (with the AGL references) is fairly unique. Based on its color, though, I suspect it's advisory in nature and has no communication requirements, but if you did call Hawthorne Radio in real life to determine its status (or just speak to Santa Barbara Approach if you're already talking to them), they would let you know what's going on. It's hardly impenetrable, though, as the relevant shelf starts at 3000ft AGL. You can easily and safely fly under that if need be.

Regarding the Class E, you'll be equally relieved to learn that entering Class E airspace is not a problem as it has NO communication requirements That first workshop will explain in detail. Pull up a chair, carve out some time and enjoy watching the videos.

[mikealphacharlie]

Thanks Keith - after my initial post I bumped into another reference to the recorded workshops and am now half way through the first one. haven't reached Class E yet however !

Steve

[Keith Smith]

If memory serves, it goes from most complex to least complex. So, it'll be towards the end. At some point, one of the PE interns will be tasked with indexing each workshop for quick reference.

[mikealphacharlie]

I've worked my way through the whole 3 hours and feel a lot more confident at interpreting what the sectional is telling me about airspace now, so thanks for the workshop. As a matter of interest, how would you plan this flight going IFR. I'm guessing that the Gaviota VOR would play a part.
Steve

[Mark Hargrove]

There is no TEC route, but there are DP's from KSBP. Have a look at the AVILA3 DP, and then at the ILS RWY 7 (or the VOR RWY 25) approach procedure for SBA. And yep -- GVO is almost certainly part of the route. I'd probably file AVILA3.GVO at 7000'.

-M.

[mikealphacharlie]

Thanks for the IFR pointer. I've not studied a DP before but after a bit of intensive Googling I was able to decode the symbols and understand the procedure. I'm thinking about planning a VFR flight on this route but using the procedure for practice with the navaids. New to PE but I've learnt a lot quite quickly!

Steve

[Cyrus]

Steve, I'm sure you've already seen it by now. But just in case not, the latest workshop ("IFR - Departures Demystified") completely decodes the DP for us mere mortals .

[mikealphacharlie]

Cyrus, thanks for the pointer. Presently I'm still working my way through the VFR workshops in 1 hour chunks as time permits, so it will be a while until I get to the wild and wacky world of IFR. Looking forward to it!
Steve