In Class C airspace, is ATC clearance required?

• A. Not Required
• B. Required
• C. Only IFR
• D. Depends on altitude

Answer: (B)

Class C is controlled airspace around busy airports, and ATC must manage traffic there. Because of that, you must establish two-way radio communication with ATC and receive an explicit clearance to operate inside the space. ATC will typically assign you a discrete transponder code and may provide vectors or instructions as needed. This requirement holds for both IFR and VFR operations and is not dependent on altitude—anywhere within the Class C area you need clearance.