When requesting clearance through Class B airspace, what must you wait for after contacting ATC?

When requesting clearance through Class B airspace, the correct course of action is to wait for radar contact after contacting Air Traffic Control (ATC). This is crucial because Class B airspace is highly congested and requires pilots to comply with specific communication and procedural protocols to ensure safety.

Radar contact indicates that ATC has successfully identified your aircraft on their radar and is aware of your position and intentions. This acknowledgment serves as a confirmation that you have the clearance to enter the airspace and that ATC can provide the necessary traffic advisories and instructions tailored to your flight. Until this confirmation of radar contact is received, it is essential for the pilot to maintain their position and altitude outside the Class B airspace to avoid potential conflicts with other aircraft.

Other options may sound plausible but do not align with proper procedures for communication in Class B airspace. For example, expecting an immediate clearance does not consider the operational protocols that ATC must follow for safety, while leveling off at a specific altitude or entering the airspace without proper authorization would violate established air traffic regulations and could lead to dangerous situations.