Class C satellite airport, when to switch to squawk VFR?

[[email protected]]

my FBO is a satellite airport within class C. (the outer ring,
pattern altitude 700ft below class C)
while talking to approach i call "have airport insight" while still
being in class C.
they advise "squawk VFR"
can I 1200 immediately or do I have to get out of class C and then
switch?
thanks

[ZikZak]

On Apr 26, 6:26 pm, wrote:
> my FBO is a satellite airport within class C. (the outer ring,
> pattern altitude 700ft below class C)
> while talking to approach i call "have airport insight" while still
> being in class C.
> they advise "squawk VFR"
> can I 1200 immediately or do I have to get out of class C and then
> switch?
> thanks

If they instruct you to "squawk VFR," then squawk VFR. If they wanted
you to wait, they would instruct you to "squawk VFR upon exiting class
C."

[john smith[_2_]]

In article om>,
wrote:

> my FBO is a satellite airport within class C. (the outer ring,
> pattern altitude 700ft below class C)
> while talking to approach i call "have airport insight" while still
> being in class C.
> they advise "squawk VFR"
> can I 1200 immediately or do I have to get out of class C and then
> switch?
> thanks

Aviate
Navigate
Communicate

Changing the transponder code comes under Communicate.
The computer isn't going to reassign your code right away to another
aircraft. The tower probably has a BRITE scope, so they will see your
code on the screen. There really isn't any rush. Chanage to 1200 when
able.

[Steven P. McNicoll]

> wrote in message
ups.com...
>
> my FBO is a satellite airport within class C. (the outer ring,
> pattern altitude 700ft below class C)
> while talking to approach i call "have airport insight" while still
> being in class C.
> they advise "squawk VFR"
> can I 1200 immediately or do I have to get out of class C and then
> switch?
>

You can change transponder code and radio frequency immediately.
Controllers are supposed to terminate Class C service to aircraft landing
at satellite airports within Class C airspace or the associated outer area
at a sufficient distance from the airport to allow the pilot to change to
the appropriate frequency for traffic and airport information. FAR 91.130
requires radio communications while within Class C airspace, but like most
FARs dealing with ATC it begins with the phrase "unless otherwise authorized
by ATC."


http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/ATC/Chp7/atc0708.html#7-8-8


§ 91.130 Operations in Class C airspace.

(a) General. Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, each aircraft operation in
Class C airspace must be conducted in compliance with this section and
§91.129. For the purpose of this section, the primary airport is the airport
for which the Class C airspace area is designated. A satellite airport is
any other airport within the Class C airspace area.

(b) Traffic patterns. No person may take off or land an aircraft at a
satellite airport within a Class C airspace area except in compliance with
FAA arrival and departure traffic patterns.

(c) Communications. Each person operating an aircraft in Class C airspace
must meet the following two-way radio communications requirements:

(1) Arrival or through flight. Each person must establish two-way radio
communications with the ATC facility (including foreign ATC in the case of
foreign airspace designated in the United States) providing air traffic
services prior to entering that airspace and thereafter maintain those
communications while within that airspace.

(2) Departing flight. Each person-

(i) From the primary airport or satellite airport with an operating control
tower must establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the
control tower, and thereafter as instructed by ATC while operating in the
Class C airspace area; or

(ii) From a satellite airport without an operating control tower, must
establish and maintain two-way radio communications with the ATC facility
having jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area as soon as practicable
after departing.

(d) Equipment requirements. Unless otherwise authorized by the ATC having
jurisdiction over the Class C airspace area, no person may operate an
aircraft within a Class C airspace area designated for an airport unless
that aircraft is equipped with the applicable equipment specified in
§91.215.

(e) Deviations. An operator may deviate from any provision of this section
under the provisions of an ATC authorization issued by the ATC facility
having jurisdiction over the airspace concerned. ATC may authorize a
deviation on a continuing basis or for an individual flight, as appropriate.

[Doc. No. 24458, 56 FR 65659, Dec. 17, 1991, as amended by Amdt. 91-232, 58
FR 40736, July 30, 1993; Amdt. 91-239, 59 FR 11693, Mar. 11, 1994]