Originally Posted by dublinpilot
The problem is not so much the class of airspace, but what it entails and how it is managed.
For example, in Ireland all flights in Class C airspace (including transits) require a flight plan. Not an an abbreviated radio call like the UK, but a paper flight plan, which must be either phoned or faxed to AIS in Shannon. This must be done at least 1 hour before takeoff. 50 minutes won't work, it needs to be an hour. (Sometimes a full flight plan will be taken over the radio, but this is the exception rather than the rule.)
dp
You are correct in saying that all flights in Class C airspace require a flight plan. you are incorrect in saying that a full flight plan is required. All Irish airports with maybe the exception on Dublin will take an abbreviated flight plan if you call 5 mins before zone boundary inbound..all that is required is pob,fuel endurance and elapse time in the zone..simple as that! Obviously if the controller is too busy he may refuse your request..but from personal experience i have never heard of this happening. Same applys if your leaving a Class C airport and flying locally and landing back again, or departing the zone to land in class G airspace..you simply close plan at zone boundary. Its no big deal..with the added bonus of a getting an Air traffic control service!