Transitioning STL Class B

[TDTURBO]

I have to fly a regular route over STL Class B to Arkansas from Chicago. I usually ask for VFR on top and get it. Sometimes I don't. What gives? I would imagine it's their traffic flow and time of day but is there anything else that would nix this much quicker route?


Also, They will always give it to me over ATL but I have to climb to 15,000, I know STL isn't as busy as ATL so why are there differences?

 

[minitour]

haha just don't talk to anyone and go VFR

*edit*
I don't really have an answer for ya, but I'm curious as to why the airspace ends at 8-10k and they make you go all the way the hell to 15 to go over top

 

[TDTURBO]

haha just don't talk to anyone and go VFR

*edit*
I don't really have an answer for ya, but I'm curious as to why the airspace ends at 8-10k and they make you go all the way the hell to 15 to go over top

Atlanta makes you go to 15 because I think that's the top but STL is like 8 or 10.

 

[minitour]

ATL's Bravo goes up to 15?? holy monkey!

 

[Foxcow]

ATL goes up to 12,500

 

[GravityHater]

I like mini's idea.... when they say 'climb' or start to vector you, say "cancel IFR" then go up or down 500'. Then, on the other side, pickup a clearance with center for the second plan you already have on file starting at that point. Oh, may not work for you non-91 guys.

 

[TDTURBO]

ATL goes up to 12,500

I think your right but evry time they tell me I have to go to 15. I can do 13 not 15. This has happend everytime. They never let you transition, they either take me to Hefin intersection or ATH.

 

[TDTURBO]

I like mini's idea.... when they say 'climb' or start to vector you, say "cancel IFR" then go up or down 500'. Then, on the other side, pickup a clearance with center for the second plan you already have on file starting at that point. Oh, may not work for you non-91 guys.

I want to avoid the hassle of a re-file or composite FP. I would think VFR on top would work most if not all the time. If it's VFR.

 

[minitour]

Do you mean "VFR on top" the IFR clearance or VFR on top where you fly VFR up high?

If you mean the IFR, it may not...remember you're still on an IFR flight plan and have to adhere to your IFR route which means MOAs and routing around Bra-vo as ATC sees fit ...

 

[TDTURBO]

Ya, that's what I said in my first post, VFR on Top. That's what I am trying to get when it's VMC and I don't always get it. I think it's do to flow issues, I realize I could just cancel and pick up another FP on the other side but I would rather use this tool instead.

 

[minitour]

Don't know what to tell ya man...

I love IFR because I don't have to worry about "busting" Bravo....but...man the routing "around" is crazy...

why wont they let you cruise over top of the Bravo even if you aren't VFR on top....

 

[TDTURBO]

Don't know what to tell ya man...

I love IFR because I don't have to worry about "busting" Bravo....but...man the routing "around" is crazy...

why wont they let you cruise over top of the Bravo even if you aren't VFR on top....

They will in STL, they NEVER will in ATL unless I get super high like 15. I don't know why, I should ask Brown the ATC guy over at AIRNAV.

 

[greygoose]

Is it still a reg that you cant fly over class B airspace, I thought that was still in effect since 9/11

 

[TDTURBO]

Is it still a reg that you cant fly over class B airspace, I thought that was still in effect since 9/11

I think they got rid of that about a year ago, not sure though. I never tried going over ClassB VFR only so I can't say.

 

[minitour]

Is it still a reg that you cant fly over class B airspace, I thought that was still in effect since 9/11

I've never heard of that one...

 

[GravityHater]

the vfr situation is called "VFR over the top"
the ifr clearance is called "VFR on top"
similar unfortunately but quite different legally and to atc as to what happens
"I think"

 

[Frmr Avro Drvr]

Don't know what to tell ya man...

I love IFR because I don't have to worry about "busting" Bravo....but...man the routing "around" is crazy...

why wont they let you cruise over top of the Bravo even if you aren't VFR on top....

My guess would be that at some point the arrival/departure routes are going to cross through your assigned altitude on the way into/out of the Class B. It is easier for them to route you around underneath the arrivals/departures than to have to worry about intersecting flight paths.

Just a guess on my part.

 

[TDTURBO]

Wow, that was fast, at least I'm not the only one that is asking. Looks like they are doing something about it.

http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/newsitems/2005/050303rnav.html

BTW, just got back, they let me through STL in the class B, no problems, it's 50/50 chance though. ATL 0% chance.