OTOH, we were doing practice approaches in the Denver area. We had just done our first approach (vectored) and were on the miss out of FTG with both heading and altitude instructions that would take us back up into the Bravo without the magic words (we were below it on the first approach). "Denver Approach, confirm 34X is cleared into the Bravo" resulted in, "Oh yeah, I guess you need that. Sorry."

Another: We were on the ground at KDEN for a fly-in meeting. Must've been a good dozen or so pistons, mostly light singles. As we left, each of us, in turn, as part of our VFR departure clearances, were told, "Cleared into the Class B airspace" even though on the ground at the Class B primary.

So I guess you story about St Louis tells us that either some controllers do a lot of unnecessary extra work or other controllers get "disgusted" just doing their job.I agree with your ultimate lesson. ATC is taught that "VFR aircraft must obtain an ATC clearance to operate in Class B airspace." (ATC Handbook, 7-9-2(a)) I'm really not aware of what word other than "cleared" means "cleared" and will ask for it.

 

These last few posts have been absolutely fantastic. I'm glad there's some good, safe know-how out there, and you guys are sharing it! You always need your clearance, Clarence, but vectors don't count Victor!