Expert: D. Norkus - 1/12/2011

Question
Hello.  I am looking at getting my private pilot license in the summer of 2012 and also a multi engine rating and hopefully a instrument rating after that.  I just have a curious question.  After I receive my license and training, it is my understanding that you can fly to most airports.  So lets say I want to fly from my hometown to Orlando International airport.  Do you call Orlando airport and tell them that you are coming there.  After all, air traffic control needs to know who is all in the sky that day.  How does it work?  How do you go from one airpor to another?  I am assuming that you have to stay in contact with ATC control centers on the entire flight.

Answer
Vincent,

Getting around in a light aircraft under "visual flight rules/VFR" or clear of any clouds isn't all that hard- even over busy places like Los Angeles or Orlando if you can handle working the radio well. There is no need to inform anyone in advance you are going anywhere (nor is it required) under flying VFR but you can call up Flight Service file a flight plan for your route and ETA if you like. You must simply be in radio contact and get the appropriate permission to transit or enter the airspace along your route.

For busier 'class B' airports like Orlando, also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airspace_class , you need only to contact them prior to entering their airspace and get permission to land. If they cannot handle you, they will tell you to remain outside their control area until they can work you into the arrival traffic. Depending on the airport you originate and airspace you must fly through, you may or may not have to talk to anyone while enroute. Check out http://www.skyvector.com for the airspace charts over where your home airport and enroute areas would be. This article is a great companion to your local airspace chart to help you understand what it takes to navigate airspace on cross-country trips as a private pilot- http://www.aopa.org/info/abc.html

A side note for future cross county flights in a light airplane: most large airport have expensive landing fees or you must purchase a certain amount of fuel to waive that fee. Flying into Orlando may be a thrill, but it may not be that practical.

I also suggest getting your free 6 month trial to AOPA Flight Training magazine, It's like an instructor in your mailbox every month and the article will better prepare you for flight training-
https://flighttraining.aopa.org/apps/student/studentregister1.cfm

Also, my tips for getting your Private Pilot can be found here- http://www.pilotcareer.info

I also highly suggest reading the Private Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge online for free at this FAA link (you will likely need it in the future anyway!)-

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/

This chapter is specifically about airspace-
http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chap...

In addition, check out the Aeronautical Information Manual, a book you will need to know for your Private Pilot training-
http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/


Hope this helps,

Dottie