Narrative:

Contacted norcal approach while VFR between santa cruz and san jose; about 15nm south of sjc; and told the controller our destination was ZZZ; east of san jose international. I asked whether it would be easier if I went above san jose international (on our flight to santa cruz we flew over san jose international at 3500 ft); or made a low-level transition. The controller informed me that whatever I requested; he would accommodate us. He gave me an IFF code; and I replied that as soon as I cleared the hills; I would descend to around 1000 feet for my transition to ZZZ. After clearing the hills; we descended to between 1500 and 1000 feet and proceeded to ZZZ; generally following the 680 freeway. As we approached san jose class C; I expected a frequency change; since none was given; I assumed approach had coordinated clearance through the san jose class C area; and I proceeded to ZZZ; no other traffic appeared to be in the vicinity (on TCAS). Norcal approach was handling two or three other aircraft on our frequency during our transition to ZZZ. Following the freeway; we turned final for ZZZ; and I contacted approach and stated we were on final;landing assured. Norcal approach replied 'roger'; then a few seconds later stated; 'frequency change approved; squawk VFR.' after dropping the passenger; started the aircraft and contacted san jose tower for departure. After receiving clearance for departure; the controller asked me to contact them by phone and gave me a number for the tower supervisor. He stated they wanted to discuss a pilot deviation. Contacted the supervisor after we returned to base. He informed me that they had an unidentified aircraft that transited their airspace; crossing the final approach for rwy 30; then going in to reid-hillview airspace before descending and going back into san jose's class C and landing at ZZZ. I told him that was me; and explained that I had contacted norcal approach for the transition; had been given a squawk code; and had never been instructed to change frequencies until landing. I also told the supervisor that I thought it was a little odd that I wasn't switched to san jose tower; but assumed they had coordinated the transition through tower's area. The supervisor said that there was one other aircraft in the class C at the time; but it was much higher than our aircraft; so there were no traffic conflicts during our transit. The tower supervisor suggested that if it seems odd not to be talking to the tower; it's probably best to ask about a frequency change. However; I told him that during my previous experience flying in the bay area; when we were vectored through airport class C areas and asked about frequency changes; the controllers generally stated that our transitions through the class C were coordinated; so there was no need to talk to each tower. Since we were a medevac flight last night; I assumed the same coordination took place between norcal approach and san jose tower to get us to our destination; as I was not directed to change frequencies. The supervisor agreed and said approach probably could have handled it better; but they were proceeding with a required investigation. The supervisor asked for my name; FAA license number; and contact information; which I provided.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Pilot reports of being questioned about violating Class C airspace; while being under flight following from the overlying TRACON.

Narrative: Contacted NorCal Approach while VFR between Santa Cruz and San Jose; about 15nm south of SJC; and told the controller our destination was ZZZ; east of San Jose International. I asked whether it would be easier if I went above San Jose International (on our flight to Santa Cruz we flew over San Jose International at 3500 ft); or made a low-level transition. The controller informed me that whatever I requested; he would accommodate us. He gave me an IFF code; and I replied that as soon as I cleared the hills; I would descend to around 1000 feet for my transition to ZZZ. After clearing the hills; we descended to between 1500 and 1000 feet and proceeded to ZZZ; generally following the 680 freeway. As we approached San Jose Class C; I expected a frequency change; since none was given; I assumed approach had coordinated clearance through the San Jose Class C area; and I proceeded to ZZZ; no other traffic appeared to be in the vicinity (on TCAS). NorCal Approach was handling two or three other aircraft on our frequency during our transition to ZZZ. Following the freeway; we turned final for ZZZ; and I contacted approach and stated we were on final;landing assured. NorCal approach replied 'Roger'; then a few seconds later stated; 'Frequency change approved; squawk VFR.' After dropping the passenger; started the aircraft and contacted San Jose Tower for departure. After receiving clearance for departure; the controller asked me to contact them by phone and gave me a number for the tower supervisor. He stated they wanted to discuss a pilot deviation. Contacted the supervisor after we returned to base. He informed me that they had an unidentified aircraft that transited their airspace; crossing the final approach for Rwy 30; then going in to Reid-Hillview airspace before descending and going back into San Jose's Class C and landing at ZZZ. I told him that was me; and explained that I had contacted NorCal approach for the transition; had been given a squawk code; and had never been instructed to change frequencies until landing. I also told the supervisor that I thought it was a little odd that I wasn't switched to San Jose tower; but assumed they had coordinated the transition through tower's area. The supervisor said that there was one other aircraft in the Class C at the time; but it was much higher than our aircraft; so there were no traffic conflicts during our transit. The tower supervisor suggested that if it seems odd not to be talking to the tower; it's probably best to ask about a frequency change. However; I told him that during my previous experience flying in the Bay Area; when we were vectored through airport class C areas and asked about frequency changes; the controllers generally stated that our transitions through the class C were coordinated; so there was no need to talk to each tower. Since we were a Medevac flight last night; I assumed the same coordination took place between NorCal Approach and San Jose tower to get us to our destination; as I was not directed to change frequencies. The supervisor agreed and said approach probably could have handled it better; but they were proceeding with a required investigation. The supervisor asked for my name; FAA license number; and contact information; which I provided.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.