Class C service requires pilots to establish two-way radio communications before entering Class C airspace. If the controller responds to a radio call with, “(a/c call sign) standby,” radio communications have been established and the pilot can enter Class C airspace.

Class C airspace, typically established around mid-sized airports with operational control towers and radar approach control, has strict regulatory requirements for pilots in 2026. To enter, a pilot must establish two-way radio communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC); this is only considered established when the controller responds using the aircraft's specific tail number or callsign. Equipment-wise, the aircraft must be equipped with a two-way radio, a Mode C (or S) transponder with altitude reporting, and ADS-B Out technology. The airspace generally consists of a 5 nautical mile (NM) "inner core" extending from the surface to 4,000 feet AGL, and a 10 NM "shelf" starting at 1,200 feet. Within 4 NM of the primary airport and below 2,500 feet, aircraft must adhere to a speed limit of 200 knots or less. While VFR pilots do not need a specific "clearance" to enter (unlike Class B), they must remain in constant contact with ATC and adhere to specific weather minimums: 3 statute miles of visibility and cloud clearance of 500 feet below, 1,000 feet above, and 2,000 feet horizontally.