abstract:The United States airspace system's classification scheme is to provide maximum pilot flexibility with acceptable levels of risk appropriate to the type of operation and traffic density within that class of airspace - in particular to provide separation and active control in areas of dense or high-speed flight operations.
If ATC is busy and clearance cannot be obtained to fly through the Class Bravo airspace, it is still possible to fly the Bay Tour: execute a left Dumbarton departure heading toward Half Moon Bay, follow the coastline all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge, then east to the Bay Bridge and retrace your path back to PAO staying under Class Bravo airspace throughout.
Informing ground control on initial contact and indicating an intent to fly the Bay Tour paves the way smoothly for obtaining the Class Bravo clearance to transit through the San Francisco airspace.