Originally Posted by
NoyGonnaDoIt
I think you may be technically correct.
But I have heard "cleared into the Class B" when getting departure instructions on the ground when getting ready to depart VFR from a Class B primary airport. If you can't assume it then, when can you assume it?
I've also been queried by a later controller what I was doing in the Class B (the clearance wasn't passed on) and was very happy there was no question in the tapes of the clearance being given.
So, if you hear something that doesn't say "cleared" I guess you're left with this choice:
- Take a few seconds to say, "Confirm Cessna 1234X is cleared into the Class Bravo" and take the risk that you didn't need to.
- Guess that you have the clearance and take the risk that you are wrong (or at least have to deal with an investigation).
I find that choice very easy to make.
I'm with him.
It is not clearly spelled out anywhere, the wording that does exist hints at an implied requirement for something more than radio contact, and in IFR operations you do need to hear "cleared to XYZ".
I have two friends at SOCAL and even they don't have a firm opinion. The concern is that if you are given a vector that takes you into into Bravo 10-15 minutes later and there is a traffic conflict, the controller could claim that he had not cleared you into the B.
If the vector takes you immediately into B, that would probably hold up as a B clearance. Probably.