If a pilot is doing VFR circuits in a airport which under a Class B, would they squawk "1200" or have to get squawk assigned by ATC?

[Nelson Tieku]

This may be a stupid question, but on the controller side what would they say to the pilot and on the pilot side, what will happen? Do they squawk 1200 or...

[Matthew Sweeney]

Hello Nelson. That’s a great question and the answer is, “it depends.”  Since Class B airspace takes on the shape of an upside down wedding cake, there can be instances of a controlled airport being “under” the B airspace, but not “inside” the B airspace. Generally speaking, if you are under the B airspace and not inside, a discrete squawk code will not be directed. There may be instances where this isn’t the case, but they are rare.

If the airport is actually inside the B airspace and you desire to conduct VFR circuits,  you can expect the clearance to be something along the lines of, “N1234,  cleared into the [name] class B airspace, maintain VFR at or below [altitude], squawk yyyy.” Hope this helps.

 

[Nelson Tieku]

On 5/2/2022 at 11:53 PM, Matthew Sweeney said:

Alright thanks! This definitely answered my question, now can this also apply if the pilot is just for example doing normal VFR? (e.g. Sightseeing, flying for fun, going to a local airport, etc.)

 

[Matthew Sweeney]

Yes. Before you enter Class B airspace, whether you are on the ground and getting ready to take off, or you are already airborne (VFR) and about to enter B airspace, you need specific clearance to enter. If airborne and VFR, you would call ATC, state your intentions (ex. transit the B airspace, land at X airport inside the B airspace, etc), receive a squawk code, and be provided specific clearance to enter the B airspace. If you do not hear the words “cleared into the [name] B airspace”, you cannot enter. Even if you are communicating with ATC. If you are approaching the boundary of B airspace and are about to enter and you have received clearance to enter, you must turn to remain outside of B until ATC clears you to enter.

[Alistair Thomson]

Also be aware that permission is also required to enter Class D airspace (in Europe, maybe not in USA) and that D airspace can sit below and around Class B so you may still be allocated a squawk even when outside B.