CARs 601.08

VFR Flight in Class C Airspace

601.08 (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person operating a VFR aircraft shall enter Class C airspace unless the person receives a clearance to enter from the appropriate air traffic control unit before entering the airspace.

(2) The pilot-in-command of a VFR aircraft that is not equipped with radiocommunication equipment capable of two-way communication with the appropriate air traffic control unit may, during daylight in VMC, enter Class C airspace if the pilot-in-command receives authorization to enter from the appropriate air traffic control unit before entering the airspace.

(3) Class C airspace becomes Class E airspace when the appropriate air traffic control unit is not in operation.

AIM - RAC 5. 8

VFR Operations Within Class C Airspace

The following are the basic procedures for entry into, and for operation within Class C
airspace. Pilots should consult the applicable VTA chart for any additional procedures
that may be required for that particular Class C airspace.

(a) Pilot Procedures

    (i) Obtain ATIS information (when available) prior to contacting ATC.

    (ii) Contact ATC on VFR advisory frequency (depicted on VTA charts) prior
         to entry into Class C airspace and provide the following information:

• aircraft type and identification,

• position (preferably over a call-up point depicted on the VTA chart
or a bearing and distance from it, otherwise another prominent
reporting point or a VOR radial or VOR/DME fix),

• altitude,

• destination and route, and

• transponder code (if transponder equipped), and ATIS (code) received.

    (iii) Comply with ATC instructions received. Any ATC instruction issued to
          VFR flights is based on the firm understanding that a pilot will advise
          ATC immediately if compliance with the instructions would result in
          not being able to maintain adequate terrain or obstruction clearance, or
          to maintain flight in accordance with VFR. If so advised, ATC will
          issue alternate instructions.

(b) ATC Procedures

(i)       Identify the aircraft with radar. (Pilots may be required to report over
          additional fixes, or squawk ident on their transponder.) The provision
          of an effective radar service is dependent upon communications
          equipment capabilities and the adequacy of the radar-displayed
          information. In the latter case, it may be difficult to maintain radar
          identification of aircraft which are not operating on specific tracks or
          routes (i.e., sightseeing, local training flights, etc.), and pilots will be
          advised when radar service cannot be provided.

(ii)      Issue landing information on initial contact or shortly thereafter unless
          the pilot states that the appropriate ATIS information has been received.

(iii)     Provide the aircraft with routing instructions or radar vectors whenever
          necessary. The pilot will be informed when vectoring is discontinued
          except when transferred to a tower. Occasionally, an aircraft may be
          held at established fixes within Class C airspace to await a position in
          the landing sequence.

(iv)     Issue traffic information when two or more aircraft are held at the same
          fix, or whenever in the controller’s judgement a radar-observed target
          might constitute a hazard to the aircraft concerned.

(v)     When required, conflict resolution will be provided between IFR and
          VFR aircraft, and upon request, between VFR aircraft.

(vi)     Visual separation may be effected when the pilot reports sighting a
          preceding aircraft and is instructed to follow it.

(vii)     Inform the pilot when radar service is terminated, except when the
          aircraft has been transferred to a tower.