How to Request a Transition Through Class D Airspace

Is control tower avoidance a flight school tradition or a legitimate rule?

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, August 05, 2026 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Air traffic control tower [Credit Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

The notion that student pilots are prohibited from transitioning Class D airspace is unfounded "tribal knowledge," likely stemming from instructors avoiding tower communications or trying to extend flight time.
New CFIs should verify any specific local procedures with the Class D airport manager, as official rules for student pilots transitioning Class D are generally non-existent.
Instructors should teach and demonstrate proper Class D transition procedures to students, building confidence while also emphasizing preparedness for potential denials and the need to always obtain permission.

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Question: I am a new-hire CFI who just started flying at an airport near a Class D facility. The school CFIs teach you should take the long way around the Class D airport when flying in the local area rather than asking for permission to transition the airspace. A few said a previous CFI told them student pilots aren’t allowed to transition to the Class D. I haven’t found any documentation on this. Is there some special rule about student pilots and Class D that I’m just not aware of?

Answer: Without knowing which Class D you are referring to, it is difficult to provide a succinct answer. As described, this sounds like convoluted “tribal knowledge.”