What is required before operating in Class B airspace?

Before operating in Class B airspace, obtaining ATC clearance is mandatory. Class B airspace is designed to manage and separate inbound and outbound traffic around busy airports, particularly those serving commercial airlines. The primary purpose of requiring ATC clearance is to ensure that pilots are integrated into the traffic flow, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.

Pilots must communicate with air traffic control before entering this airspace to receive specific instructions and clearances. This process involves providing your aircraft's information and receiving acknowledgment from ATC, which confirms that you are authorized to enter.

While other actions, such as filing a flight plan, notifying other pilots, and performing a pre-flight inspection, are important aspects of aviation safety and regulations, they are not specifically required for entering Class B airspace. Therefore, the requirement for ATC clearance is the key factor in ensuring safe and orderly operations within this controlled airspace.