I'm a student pilot nearing my checkride for my PPL so please excuse my ignorance here. Shortly after my checkride (assuming I pass) I'm wanting to head south to EYE which lies about 6 miles from IND. I don't really want to try to remain under the shelf for Indy since the floor is 2100 and highest obstacle for that block is 2000.
My question is, what is the proper procedure for arriving and departing VFR to EYE and talking to IND? I am assuming that I would contact approach and ask to transition their airspace to EYE and then I could just follow instructions from there. However once on the ground, who do I contact to leave? Clearance or departure and what exactly do I tell them?
Thanks for the help.
Mike
IND is Class C, so you just need to
establish 2-way radio communications with approach control, unless they tell you to remain outside Class C. Unlike Class B airspace, Class C does not require a specific clearance to enter the airspace; In any case, to get to EYE you'd want to request flight following to Eagle Creek, using what Captray said earlier; who you are, where you are, current altitude, what you would like to do. Your aircraft will also need a transponder w/ altitude reporting.
EYE is an uncontrolled field, so ATC will tell you "change to advisory frequency approved", which, after you acknowledge ATC, gives you approval to switch to the Eagle Creek CTAF and begin monitoring traffic/announcing position and intentions to other traffic landing/departing EYE. You should utilize standard entry procedures for the traffic pattern at an uncontrolled field.
When you depart EYE again and wish to receive flight following, contact IND approach before you enter the Class C.
Again, to enter Class C, you just have to
establish 2-way radio communications with ATC. Meaning, ATC must address you by tail number. If they say "aircraft calling, standby," that does NOT establish 2-way radio comms. If they say "remain outside of the Class C airspace," then you must obey. In all likely-hood, they'll assign you a squawk code and give you flight instructions.
For Class B it's the same as Class C with the addition of a specific clearance to enter the Class B. ATC must say "cleared into the Class B." As a student pilot, you'll also need a specific endorsement from your flight instructor. But, after your PPL checkride you're good.
Still, if you feel you need training after your checkride for Class C and Class B procedures, don't hesitate to contact your CFI for additional training.
Good luck on your ride and have fun!
-Tim