In Class C airspace, when should a pilot of an arriving VFR flight contact the control tower?

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In Class C airspace, it's essential for pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to communicate with the control tower to ensure a safe transition into the airspace that is typically busier than uncontrolled areas. The correct choice indicates that a VFR flight should contact the control tower prior to entering the Control Zone.

This communication is important for several reasons. First, it allows the control tower to provide instructions to the pilot, which can include clearance to enter, altitude changes, or traffic advisories. This is particularly vital in Class C airspace, where there are established procedures to separate arriving and departing traffic, thus reducing the risk of mid-air collisions.

The requirement to contact the tower prior to entering the Control Zone aligns with the responsibility of the pilot to maintain both situational awareness and compliance with air traffic control (ATC) directives. It ensures that the pilot is integrated into the overall flow of traffic, making for a more organized and safe operating environment.

The choice that specifies contacting the tower after departing doesn't meet the regulation's timing for safe integration into controlled airspace. Similarly, waiting until 10 nautical miles from the destination may be too late to receive important traffic advisories, and contacting the tower only after being cleared for approach does not

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