Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

What is required for all aircraft operating in Class B airspace?

1. VFR flight plan

2. ATC clearance

3. Two-way radio communication only

4. General awareness of traffic

The correct answer is: ATC clearance

For all aircraft operating in Class B airspace, obtaining ATC clearance is mandatory. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety and orderly flow of air traffic within the busiest airspace around major airports. Class B airspace is designed to accommodate a high volume of traffic, including both commercial and general aviation. By requiring a clearance, air traffic control can provide separation and guidance to aircraft, helping to prevent potential collisions and misunderstandings about traffic behavior. The importance of this requirement lies in the nature of Class B airspace, which typically encompasses several layers from the ground up, often with specific routes and altitudes for arriving and departing aircraft. Without ATC clearance, pilots may inadvertently enter controlled airspace, posing a risk to both themselves and others. Pilots are also required to maintain two-way radio communication within Class B airspace, but just having the ability to communicate is not enough; the proactive step of obtaining a clearance prior to entry is critical for safety.