Helicopter allegedly entered DFW Class B without a clearance after being denied a SVFR transition clearance through the subject Class B; reporter claiming DFW TRACON Controllers were less than helpful or knowledgeable regarding SVFR.

Date: 2009-04 · Aircraft: Helicopter · Phase: cruise

Anomalies: deviation-discrepancy-procedural-published-material-policy

Synopsis

Helicopter allegedly entered DFW Class B without a clearance after being denied a SVFR transition clearance through the subject Class B; reporter claiming DFW TRACON Controllers were less than helpful or knowledgeable regarding SVFR.

Narrative

Upon liftoff; I contacted DFW Tower and requested SVFR permission to enter DFW Class B airspace requesting the Highway 360 degree corridor route to the location between Highway 114 and Highway 26. I was denied entry to Class B and was told I couldn't enter because they were IFR and to stay clear. At this point; I questioned myself as to why I was denied the SVFR due to the fact I was a helicopter; but altering my original company flight plan; I turned and flew westbound on the south side of Spur 303 to the sewer plant on the right; then on to Bell Helicopter Plant in Hurst; then on to Ranger VOR. At this point I called DFW again and was told to change to 134.9 for the west tower and again I was told the same thing; that I couldn't enter Class B because they were IFR. In my attempt to see just where the landing zone was I could see DFW which seemed to be approximately 8 miles from me and was not aware that I may have inadvertently entered Class B by mistake. At this point I was told I was in Class B and to exit to the southwest; so I turned to do so. At no time was there any interference with another aircraft nor did I see any aircraft. I could hear them on the radio but never saw anyone. Visibility was more than 15 miles and clear. Ceiling was approximately 900 FT AGL and broken where I was; and I remained clear of clouds. The Controllers at DFW on this day were not using the same set of flight rules that are published in the FARs; or they just didn't understand the regulation for SVFR for helicopters. I feel this situation would never have happened if we all played by the same rules. I should not have been denied entry to DFW Class B airspace. It is my belief that ATC needs to be more up to date with the abilities and regulations of helicopters.

Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.