En Route Flight & Navigation Practice Test

Two-way radio communications are required before entering Class B airspace to ensure safe and orderly traffic management in those regions. Class B airspace surrounds the busiest airports and is designed to facilitate the operation of high-density traffic, including commercial airline operations.

When flying from Lancaster Airport to McKinney Airport, if your route takes you close to or through Class B airspace, it is essential to establish communication with the air traffic control (ATC) facilities to receive clearance and any necessary instructions. This requirement enhances safety, as all pilots operating within or near Class B airspace must be aware of each other's positions and intentions to prevent conflicts.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the requirements of the regulations. For example, while it might seem that radio communications are needed throughout the entire flight or only at departure and arrival, these do not apply universally and depend on specific airspace requirements. Notably, the mention of communications only being needed at or above 5,000 feet MSL is incorrect since the requirement for communication is tied to airspace classification rather than altitude alone.

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