Small Aircraft; High Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 20; Flight Crew Total 980; Flight Crew Type 600
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Procedure
I embarked on a long cross country trip.  At the beginning of the third leg; I entered Class Delta unannounced while on frequency with the local Class C Controller.  It was upon departure from Fernandina Beach; my second fuel stop.  I climbed; southbound; to my cruise altitude of 1;500 FT and called Jacksonville Approach for flight following which they provided.  I was handed off and the next Controller asked me if knew I was traversing the Mayport Class D airspace.  I replied that by virtue of talking to Jacksonville Approach I thought it was OK.  He said that's not the way it works!  He directed me; and I immediately climbed to 2;500 FT to vacate the Class Delta.   I was puzzled though because that is exactly the way it worked earlier in the day just south of Columbia; SC; the North AF AUX Class D.  I continued to my destination at 2;500 FT all the while receiving flight following.  I feel terrible about being scolded by the Controller in Jacksonville and have therefore made a commitment to further instruction and review in VFR airspace as well as cross country procedures.  Adding airspace brief to my pre-departure checklist and asking the controller when unsure; will prevent a recurrence of this situation.
Reporter receiving flight following Class Charlie Controller is questioned about violating Class Delta airspace.