Author Topic: Phoenix Airspace  (Read 10572 times)

Offline skymac

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Phoenix Airspace
« on: March 10, 2011, 08:39:24 PM »
I'm typically flying in the midwest and have never quite come across the cluster than what Phoenix looks like on a VFR Sectional.  My question is:

I will be departing Falcon Field for a North East departure in a C172.  Falcon Being Class D right under Sky Harbors Class B.  Now maybe because I'm not actually there yet I don't have a good feel for the terrain but from what the map shows I'm going to need to circle up in the Class B some before proceeding NE because of the mountain ranges to the East of Phoenix.  Any tips on the chain of events and how I should voice my intentions of getting up and departing the area to the NE, I will basically be following V190 along the MOA, Just need to get some altitude before going over the mountains toward the St. John VOR.



Offline StuSEL

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Re: Phoenix Airspace
« Reply #1 on: March 10, 2011, 10:57:33 PM »
Hey skymac,

The key is to not enter the Class B without an explicit clearance. I would fly northeast bound, climbing to 3,500. Once EAST of the PXR VOR 15 DME (a good visual reference to this would be just as you pass the Granite Reef Dam), I'd keep climbing to but not including 5,000 until receiving a Class B entry clearance from Phoenix Approach. Then and only then after receiving the clearance I would get permission to climb into the Class B.

If you want a local perspective, I'd highly suggest contacting Falcon Field Tower via phone at 480-981-1376 prior to flying the flight. I find it's always best to ask the controller, because you never know when they have a standard operating procedure that deviates from the traditional flight school approach. You can also call Phoenix Approach at 602-306-2500 to inquire if Falcon Field Tower isn't certain.