What is required for VFR flights to enter Class C airspace?

For VFR flights to enter Class C airspace, obtaining clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) is required. Class C airspace is typically found around airports with a certain level of air traffic and is designed to manage the flow of both arriving and departing aircraft. Pilots must establish two-way communication with the ATC before entering this type of airspace, ensuring that they are acknowledged and following any specific instructions provided by the controllers.

The necessity for ATC clearance in Class C airspace helps maintain safety and organizational efficiency. Class C airspace generally starts at 1,200 feet AGL up to 4,000 feet above the airport elevation, and this structure is designed to separate IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic from VFR (Visual Flight Rules) traffic effectively. By requiring clearance, ATC can manage the aircraft's positions and movements more accurately, allowing for safer operational environments for all airspace users.

Other alternatives, such as flying without special permissions or only needing visual observations, do not apply to Class C airspace requirements, as they do not adequately ensure the communication and traffic management necessary in busy airspace around major airports.