Leaving Bravo Airspace

caboarder2001 Rookie

I fly for a 121 carrier and we have never been able to answer this one question. It has happened to me in SAN, LAX, and ORD

Sometime we are down low, like 2500', being vectored for an approach and ATC says "be advised your exiting the class bravo"...

Every time we hear that we both look at each other and go "OK? whatever", and continue on like nothing happened.

So what is that supposed mean to us? Or you guys as ATC?

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

it means we are REQUIRED to tell u. we hate having to do it cuz you'll usually "exit the bravo for 2 miles then reenter". we have to say it a lot where i'm at.

were supposed to keep u IFR carrier/air taxi types within the class bravo OR tell u that you'll exit. that way your more vigilant for possible vfr untracked aircraft that are outside the bravo. otherwise u shouldn't have to worry about a vfr aircraft in the bravo cuz we'll be talking to those guys.

boondr PHD without a degree North of the Equator

Yeah that

This is a good thing for you GA pilots to be aware of as it can be a dangerous place flying just under the floor of bravo airspace.

caboarder2001 Rookie

Huh, it all makes sense now. Next time this happens ill have something intelligent to say in the cockpit other than " ok"

meatasaurusx Trusted Member Chi-town

Another reason you want to know if you are in the bravo or not is that the vfr separation standards from other aircraft are completely different outside the bravo. basically, as long as the vfr aircraft doesn't hit your aircraft, it is separated from you. there are lots of times near a bravo airspace where there are lots of vfr aircraft that are not talking to atc, an therefore have an unverified mode c (or none at all). Like roddy said, we tell you so you are more vigilant at keeping your eyes open for vfr aircraft that could be near you and that may not be talking to atc.

P_to_the_R Ruler of the Movement Area funkytown

for example...outside of PHL Bravo is a free for all from all the vfr aircraft carrying pilots in training and helicopters doing their thing. Some of these vfr aircraft are well versed on the bravo airspace boundaries and just skirt the outsides, which is totally legal.

OttoFeather Newcomer

If you are below you are limited to 200 KIAS.

otterstrom Trusted Member of NATCA

yeah, just a heads up to watch out for the weekend warriors that cant get a clearance in and are skirting around the bravo. basically, your approach isn't protected anymore.

(yes, i just said what everyone else said... +1 post count)

KJKAN Rookie

Some controllers misinterpret the rule....you only inform VFR aircraft when they are leaving the Bravo....you only clear VFR aircraft through the Bravo...you do not do this for IFR aircraft. If the approach control is informing you that you are leaving the Bravo and you are operating IFR, the controller is giving you too much info....yes, he could tell you when you are leaving he if felt so inclined, but he is not required if you are IFR.

Roddy_Piper Resident Knucklehead Vegas baby

this says nothing about the IFR/VFR. it's presumable that they mean IFR, cuz why would u vector VFR aircraft to remain in the class B? thoughts?

.65 7-9-3.

b. Vector aircraft to remain in Class B airspace after entry. Inform the aircraft when leaving and reentering Class B airspace if it becomes necessary to extend the flight path outside Class B airspace for spacing.