Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 31; Flight Crew Total 337; Flight Crew Type 100
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Exited Penetrated Airspace
Airspace Structure; Human Factors
It was a clear day with light to moderate turbulence up to 14000 ft. I was cleared for departure on 27R with a right downwind departure from SEE. I could not pick up a Class B clearance on the ground. While climbing and turning to the north I maintained an altitude of 3500 ft to stay underneath the class B shelf at 3800 ft. As I approached Barona Casino VPSBC I requested a frequency change from the SEE tower controller so I could contact SoCal Approach to pick up flight following. I planned to stay below the Class B airspace and did not ask for a Bravo clearance. I was over Barona Casino VPSBC while continuing a slow climb as I continued to pass under the Class B 3800 ft shelf then staying below the Class B 4800 ft shelf. During this time I had initiated my communication with SoCal. I was also encountering some turbulence. I was confirming my position on my charts when I received the call back from SoCal. The controller confirmed my position and then told me that I was in RNM's Class D airspace; top 3800 ft. I checked the altimeter and I was still just above 3500 ft - 300 ft below the Class D airspace ceiling. However; the SoCal controller told me my climb to 4500 ft was approved and I climbed to clear the Class D airspace. I believe I did not give myself enough time to complete the needed task of initiating communication with Approach control. Since I was also in unfamiliar terrain I was occupied by referencing my charts multiple times. I was also distracted by the turbulence. Even though I had planned my departure route and altitudes carefully prior to flying that day I realized I didn't give myself enough buffer zone (distance; time and altitude) to establish communication with ATC.
C172 pilot departed SEE northbound intending to obtain flight following and stay below the class B. There is a small section of airspace where RNM Class D at 3799 feet is beneath the Class B with a 3800 foot floor. The reporter is unable to obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering Class D at 3500 feet.