Which initial action should a pilot take prior to entering Class C airspace?

• A. Contact approach control on the appropriate frequency
• B. File an IFR flight plan
• C. Squawk 7700
• D. Contact area navigation

Answer: (A)

Two-way radio communication with ATC before entering Class C airspace is required. Class C is a radar-controlled area around busy airports, and ATC needs to establish contact to provide sequencing and separation from other traffic. By calling Approach Control on the published frequency, you initiate this communication, and ATC can then assign a discrete transponder code and give you course guidance as needed. Filing an IFR flight plan isn’t required for a VFR entry into Class C, so it isn’t the immediate action you take. Squawking 7700 denotes an emergency or radio failure, not a normal entry procedure. Contacting area navigation isn’t applicable to entry procedures—Area Navigation is a navigation method, not a control contact.