I took a flight from Stapleford up to Sherburn (just NW of Doncaster) on Monday. On the way out departing on 22 at Stapleford, and with a right turn out, it was only an extra few minutes to go via BPK and through the middle of the STN and LTN zones so I did that. On the way back though, to save a longer trip around the circuit (and to be honest to get a big or practice in), I planned to transit, BKY to Great Dunmow across the 05 threshold at STN.
I made my call about 10 miles from BKY at 4000ft, but initial response was to remain OCAS during controller handover. This resulted in an S turn and quick descent to duck under 2500. I was then given the clearance to enter the zone initially not above 2500 then as I got to the CTR, not above 1500. I was asked to transit over Bishops Stortford, which took me across the extended centreline about 5 miles or so from the threshold. The controllers were helpful and polite although obviously extremely busy.....Ryanair this and Monarch that....constantly.
The thing I kept telling myself is that it is no different transitting here than transitting Doncaster or even any of the MATZ I'd been through that day. Work out what you are going to say before you key the mic and go for it.