Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Type 30
Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
I had planned to fly to an airport 60 miles to the east from the airport I departed from. I called ground; and requested flight following. He gave me information; and I was given taxi instructions. When I was almost to the assigned runway; I was told I needed to give on course heading to my destination. I gave him one; but later changed it because of confusion. Another change request; and the controller got confused and asked if I just wanted to cancel flight following; and I did.The airport was a class D; underlying a Class C. My instructions I had received were to remain clear of class C; climb to 2500; and to the east. While almost out of the veil; departure said 'verify 2500 feet.' I confirmed this. I was told to change frequencies and squawk VFR; and later made it to my destination. I had done training at the airport before; so a friend of mine told me ATC had gotten angry over someone who had busted class C airspace. I realized class C started at 2200 feet; and a misunderstanding had occurred. I should have been more aware of the airspace dimensions; but I hadn't flown at the airport in two years; and assumed what I was given in my clearance would suffice for separation from it. On the other hand; the confusion on the ground and a misunderstanding during clearance relay was another cause of this incident I suppose. The airspace was not busy; so nothing came of it but frustration; but I surely do not want this to ever happen because it could be very dangerous.
GA pilot reported an airspace violation due to confusion and miscommunication with ATC.