Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Flight Engineer; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 100; Flight Crew Total 3200; Flight Crew Type 400
Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Upon initial climbout I was given a turn on course direct to my destination. I was not told to contact Departure so I stayed on with Tower. I was flying the aircraft as I wanted to maintain proficiency in my flight skills. I have not flown this aircraft for nearly two months; and I had a forward passenger who kept trying to talk after I politely reminded him that I could not talk until cruise. Even though I have a lot of time in this aircraft I should have used the autopilot to maintain better situational awareness. Approximately 4;000 feet 6 nm into the flight I noticed I was still on with Tower. I switched to ZZZ Center; told my altitude they then gave me a clearance up to 13;000 feet MSL. There was absolutely no issue; but I just wanted to fill out this report anyways.
Small Transport aircraft pilot reported not contacting Departure Control and stayed with Tower until switching to Center Control.