Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Retractable Gear
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 95; Flight Crew Total 5475; Flight Crew Type 110
Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Airspace Structure
Departed Isla Grande airport (TJIG) VFR approved for the (VFR) Tango Transition by TJIG Tower to TIST (St. Thomas). Was cleared for takeoff by TJIG Tower climb to 1;500 FT and fly the Tango Transition. I departed on 095 heading and waited for as always for Tower to transfer me to San Juan Tower; but they never did. I called San Juan Tower and checked in on the Tango Transition proceeding as approved to the Tower. I was informed by the Controller that I had entered Class C airspace without authorization. I apologized and stated that I was not handed over to Tower as usual. The Controller stated that I should have circumvented Class C airspace. I have always understood that once I was cleared for the Tango Transition and given a discreet transponder code that my authorization was already granted. I still believe that is the case; nonetheless I will in the future assure myself that I call San Juan Tower before proceeding. There were no conflicts with other aircraft; I was switched to San Juan Departure and continued my VFR flight. I will be more vigilant in the future.
SMA pilot assumed he had Class C clearance; Controller advised pilot that they had violated the airspace.