It takes time and effort to master the Los Angeles airspace system, especially if you don’t know local geographic features. This is just a sampling of what you have to do when flying in this airspace: Talk with Southern California Approach (SoCal) controllers; hold the assigned altitude exactly without an autopilot (so you can maneuver quickly); recognize visual checkpoints, even if you aren’t from the area; avoid the airspace of one towered airport while landing at another; remember to change transponder codes when using the Class B tunnel above Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); know where to look for likely conflicting traffic; communicate position reports to other aircraft; and scan for traffic while consulting the charts and airport information on your lap.
There are four routes above Los Angeles—the Mini, Coliseum, Hollywood Park, and Coastal routes. There is also the Los Angeles Special Flight Rules Area, which refers to a precise tunnel through Class B airspace above LAX. Find details on the routes in the Los Angeles Terminal Area Chart.
HOW
Tips for slithering through a hornet’s nest:
- Get an instrument rating. It helps with radio procedures.
- Hand-fly the aircraft so you can maneuver if you need to.
- Rehearse and memorize the route, with frequencies readily available.
- Learn one or two routes that work for you until they become routine.
- Be spring-loaded to turn around and flee an errant marine layer.
- If qualified, file an IFR flight plan and avoid the visual routes.
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