# VFR in Airspace C/D When a VFR aircraft requests to cross **Class C** or **Class D** airspace, the following conditions must be met: 1. **Aircraft Identification:** The aircraft must be assigned a squawk code. 2. **Routing & Altitude Considerations:** The aircraft's flight path should avoid direct passage through arrival and departure sectors. 3. **Clearance Requirements:** The pilot must receive **explicit entry and exit clearances** for the controlled airspace. ##### Separation Requirements: - **Class C:** IFR-VFR separation is required. VFR flights receive **traffic information** about IFR and other VFR aircraft. **Traffic avoidance is provided upon request.** - **Class D:** **Traffic information** is provided to both IFR and VFR flights; separation is not provided for VFR aircraft. #### Traffic Management in the CTR Managing traffic within the **Control Zone (CTR)** is a routine task for ATC. Although the CTR may appear small on radar, it provides ample space for maneuvering. By issuing **timely and accurate traffic information**, further ATC intervention is rarely needed. Opposing-direction VFR traffic **may be cleared at the same altitude** (e.g., *"Maintain 2000 feet or below VFR"*) if appropriate **traffic information** is issued to ensure situational awareness. While no **minimum vertical separation** is mandated when separation is not required, a **400-500 ft margin** is recommended where feasible. Single-engine aircraft should not be forced too low due to **emergency landing considerations**. Always consider **terrain and weather conditions** when assigning altitude restrictions. Crossing an **airport overhead** or **extended centerline** should be managed similarly to a **runway crossing** on the ground. Aircraft in **takeoff and landing phases** are in **high-workload situations**, making their trajectories less predictable. To enhance **situational awareness**, controllers should **use "Report in sight"** before issuing crossing clearances. ##### Overhead Crossings If circuit traffic is **light**, directing aircraft to cross **overhead** simplifies coordination, keeping them **above wake turbulence** and on a **predictable flight path**. If circuits are **busy**, alternative routes should be used: > **CNBOB, maintain VFR between 1500 and 2000 feet, cross runway 35 overhead direct KOSAD.** > **CNBOB, route south, remain east of the centerline and right-hand circuit for runway 35.** ##### Approach Path Crossings Crossing near the **extended centerline** further from the airport requires **additional caution**: > **CNBOB, traffic A320 five miles final, report in sight.** > **CNBOB, cross runway 35 centerline behind the A320. Caution wake turbulence.** Notify the **landing aircraft**: > **RAM123, traffic information: Light aircraft three miles east, crossing centerline behind you. They have you in sight.** ##### Operations Below the Glide Path For aircraft needing to **cross beyond 4-5NM** from the airport, **staying below the approach path** may be an option: > **CNBOB, cleared to operate south of Berrechid, five miles out or greater, maintain 1700 feet or below VFR. Traffic: continuous IFR arrivals on the ILS 35, caution wake turbulence.** Notify IFR arrivals: > **RAM123, traffic information: Light aircraft operating at least 500 feet below the glide path, continue approach, runway 35L cleared to land.** Maintaining a **500 ft buffer below the glide path** generally prevents **TCAS Resolution Advisories (RA)**. However, pilots should receive **frequent traffic updates** to ensure **situational awareness** and a **safe operating environment**. #### VFR Phraseology for Airspace Clearance
**Clearance Type****French****English**
**Crossing Clearance***TRAVERSÉE \[DE L'ESPACE AÉRIEN CHARLIE (ou DELTA)\] AUTORISÉE VIA (route) (altitude)**CROSSING \[OF AIRSPACE CHARLIE (or DELTA)\] APPROVED VIA (route) (altitude).*
**Proceeding on a Radial***PROCEDEZ SUR LE RADIAL (trois chiffres) DE (nom du VOR) JUSQU’À (point significatif)**PROCEED ON RADIAL (three digits) OF (name of VOR) TO (significant point).*
**Exiting Controlled Airspace***QUITTER L’ESPACE AÉRIEN CHARLIE (ou DELTA) DIRECTION (ou CAP (trois chiffres), ou À (altitude)) \[(raison)\]**LEAVE AIRSPACE CHARLIE (or DELTA) DIRECTION (or HEADING (three digits), or AT (altitude)) \[(reason)\].*
##### Class C Airspace Crossing Example > **Pilot:** *Approach, \[Callsign\], 5 miles north of \[VFR waypoint\], VFR at 3400 feet, request crossing Class C airspace via \[route\], 4000 feet.* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], squawk 4133.* > **Pilot:** *Squawk 4133, \[Callsign\].* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], identified at 3400 feet. Crossing approved via \[route\], maintain flight level 60.* > **Pilot:** *Crossing approved via \[route\], maintaining flight level 60, \[Callsign\].* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], you are entering Class C airspace.* > **Pilot:** *Roger, \[Callsign\].* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], you are leaving Class C airspace. Frequency change approved, squawk VFR, goodbye.* > **Pilot:** *Frequency change approved, squawk VFR, \[Callsign\].* ##### Class D Airspace Crossing Example (Non-CTR) > **Pilot:** *Approach, \[Callsign\], 5 miles west of \[VFR waypoint\], VFR at 3400 feet, request crossing Class D airspace southbound via \[waypoints\], 5000 feet.* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], squawk 4133.* > **Pilot:** *Squawk 4133, \[Callsign\].* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], identified at 3400 feet. Crossing approved via \[waypoints\], maintain block flight level 60 to flight level 70.* > **Pilot:** *Crossing approved via \[waypoints\], maintaining block flight level 60 to 70, \[Callsign\].* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], you are entering Class D airspace.* > **Pilot:** *Roger, \[Callsign\].* > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], you are leaving Class D airspace. Frequency change approved, squawk VFR, goodbye.* > **Pilot:** *Frequency change approved, squawk VFR, \[Callsign\].* ##### Explicit Airspace Exit Instruction (Due to Traffic) > **ATC:** *\[Callsign\], leave Class C airspace heading 180 at 2500 feet or below due to traffic.* > **Pilot:** *Leaving Class C airspace heading 180, at 2500 feet or below, \[Callsign\].*