PilotEdge Forums

My next big challenge is the V3 rating, which has recently been upgraded to TWO transitions of the KLAX Bravo. Consequently I have decided to simplify matters and make my first practice attempt on a single transition, by flying from KSNA to KVNY via the Coastal Route.

So imagine that I have successfully transitioned the Bravo and emerged, sweaty palmed, on the other side. At this point I am flying somewhere close to the edge of the Burbank Charlie and a couple of thousand feet above the outer shelf, which I have to enter in order to get to my destination. My question is who do I speak to first? Do I call direct to Van Nuys Tower or should I call Socal Approach?
Regards
Steve

SOCAL owns the Charlie, so if you want to enter it, call SOCAL. Else, go underneath and contact Van Nueys Tower.

Good point ! So long as I stay west of the transition radial I can duck down below the Charlie and call Van Nuys for landing.
Thanks.
Steve

I'm not sure it simplifies things that much by landing at VNY, but you're certainly welcome to do it. Alternatively, you could keep flight following alive as you exit the Bravo, then descend for the mini-route (having flight following keeps you in touch with ATC, which makes the Burbank Charlie disappear as a factor). Advise them of your intentions to do the mini-route and they'll give you a handoff to SMO tower.

If you'd like to do it your way, though, which would be equally valid, then you can either do it by keeping the flight following alive and tell them you're landing VNY. They'll handle the handoff to VNY tower when it's appropriate, during which time you can descend through the Burbank Charlie as needed. Otherwise, you can terminate the radar service when you're done with the Bravo, descend low enough to remain outside/below the Charlie, then contact VNY tower directly.

Hope this helps. Basically, this comes down to knowing which airspace you're in at any given time, and meeting the communication requirements for each type of airspace PRIOR to entering it. There are many different ways of doing it, all have plenty of merit...there's no silver bullet.

Btw, all this thinking that you're doing right now....this is the exact point of the V-3 It's not just about tracking the radials in the Bravo.

[quote]Btw, all this thinking that you're doing right now....this is the exact point of the V-3 It's not just about tracking the radials in the Bravo
/quote]

Yes, I was beginning to appreciate that fact and enjoying the mental stimulus to my 'flying brain". The rationale for landing at VNY on my first practice session is fairly simple, by the time I've completed one Bravo transition I'll be completely knackered and looking for somewhere to land, so better to have thought about it beforehand. On the next practice session I can think about the mini route return option.
Having a lot of fun here on PE so thanks!

Steve