On Wed, 06 Oct 2004 15:33:27 GMT, Larry Dighera
wrote in ::

Earlier this week, while traversing the LAX VFR Shore Line Transition,
I was kept above 5,000 feet despite initially requesting a lower
altitude (3,500'). One controller said that they had done a poor job
in getting the word out to the pilot community regarding a change they
have now adopted regarding the subject procedure.

He indicated that ATC will not approve transitions below 5,000' any
longer, however on a workload permitting basis, they will work VFR
flights as IFR flights on the transition (which is what I got).

On the return leg, the controller had me first climb from 4,500' to
5,500' then 6,500' and wanted to descend me once through the
transition to put me below Class B airspace. (I declined, preferring
the view at altitude; magnificent!)

The VFR Terminal Area chart only says "altitude assigned by ATC."

I have not yet been successful in locating web-based information on
the procedure change. Likely it has not yet been published. I don't
see a Letter To Airman: http://www.awp.faa.gov/lta/lta.cfm nor NOTAM:
http://www.faa.gov/NTAP/NTAP04SEP30/C's.htm#California



It seems the VFR LAX Shoreline Transition procedure is being phased
out. Mr. Walter White (Plans & Procedures, Quality Assurance) has
been kind enough to forward to me a copy of Letter To Airman 04-05:


---------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRACON
9175 KEARNEY VILLA ROAD
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92126


ISSUED: September 30, 2004 EFFECTIVE: September 30,
2004

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TRACON LETTER TO AIRMEN NO. 04-05

SUBJECT: REDUCTION IN AVAILABILITY OF THE LOS ANGELES CLASS "B"
SHORELINE
ROUTE

CANCELLATION: September 29, 2006

This letter is issued to inform all users that on September 30, 2004,
most
aircraft departing Los Angeles International Airport will be climbing
to
an initial altitude of 5,000 feet. This is an improvement on the
current
initial altitude of 3,000'. The 5,000' initial climb altitude will
improve safety and efficiency for Los Angeles departures. Due to the
higher initial climbs at Los Angeles International Airport, the
availability of the "Shoreline Route" procedure, as defined in the
"Los
Angeles VFR Terminal Area Chart," will be reduced.

We would like to remind you of several options still available for a
safe
and expeditious VFR transition through the Los Angles Class "B"
Airspace.
You may request the "LAX VFR 'Mini Route' Transition" as depicted on
the
"Los Angeles VFR Terminal Area Chart." You may also utilize the "Los
Angeles Special Air Traffic Rules Area" procedure, depicted on the
"Los
Angeles VFR Terminal Area Chart." The "Los Angeles Special Air
Traffic
Rules Area," offers pilots the opportunity to transition Class "B"
airspace without requiring communications with ATC. Additionally, you
may
request VFR radar services for a transition with Southern California
TRACON on frequency 134.9.

If you have questions regarding the reduction in availability of the
"Shoreline Route" procedure, please contact Walter White, Support
Manager,
Southern California TRACON, at (858) 537-5830.



/s/ Original Signed By /s/

Linda K. O'Brien
Air Traffic Manager,
Southern California TRACON

--------------------------------------

New:
TOWER ENROUTE CONTROL ROUTES, VERSION: MIKE
http://www.socaltracon.faa.gov/tec/tecm.htm