Airlines, student pilots, corporate jets, and weekend fliers all share Class C Airspace. While you may not need a clearance to enter it, there are a few things you should know...
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Like most controlled airspace, ALL pilots must notify and receive approval from the FAA to fly in Class C airspace. Pilots must also follow the necessary procedure to receive permission. Approval cannot be granted by control towers individually; the request must be sent using one of two methods.
The approval needed to enter Class C airspace is like Class D in that you do not need a specific clearance, but you do need to establish two-way communication with control. To be able to enter Class C airspace, a pilot must contact ATC prior to arrival.
The only regulatory restriction is that student pilots are not allowed to fly above a cloud layer without ground reference. VFR over-the-top can be a very useful tool to get above a cloud layer instead of flying in haze or restricted visibility below the clouds.
Can we fly over it? Technically yes, BUT it's still a very bad idea because a motor out would force you to descend through the Class C airspace. We CAN'T fly here without special permission from ATC. Permission should be obtained in advance by telephone (some controllers will accept a radio call).
If repeated solo cross-country flights to an airport within 50 nautical miles are to be made over the same route, an endorsement to comply with 14 CFR 61.93(b)(2) is required in the student's logbook.
While the basic VFR weather minimums outlined in § 91.155 specify a minimum flight visibility of 1 statute mile and clear of clouds when 1,200 feet or less above the surface (AGL) in the daytime, the general student pilot limitations of § 61.89 do not permit student pilots to operate with less than 3 miles of flight or ...
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, student pilots are not allowed to fly above a cloud layer without a ground reference. This is because it is essential for student pilots to maintain visual contact with the ground at all times during their training period.
The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate.
Class C: This is the controlled airspace above 7,500 feet and surrounding major airports. Both IFR and VFR flights are permitted and both require ATC clearance and separation service is to be provided by ATC. Class G: This airspace is uncontrolled.