Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 25.5; Flight Crew Total 710; Flight Crew Type 710
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure; Airspace Structure
VFR flight from SEALY intersection to Waco (ACT) via CLL VOR. Using traffic advisories (flight following) from Houston Approach Control; I had received several advisories and vectors from approach control due to the fairly low ceiling and high traffic volume into HOU and IAH.  I was tracking the 143 radial inbound to CLL VOR when I received a call from approach; asking if I was talking to CLL tower since I was in their airspace.  I replied 'No;' and the approach controller advised he would give them a call.  I received no further communication on the subject from approach control or CLL tower.  My past experience has been that when under traffic advisories; ATC has coordinated any transitions for me or advised me to contact the control tower for transition prior to entering the airspace.  I was approximately 3 nm from the CLL VOR at the time; so I was already inside the Class D airspace.  I saw one aircraft off my right wing; approximately 2 miles away; appearing to be maneuvering in the pattern.  I was focusing on maintaining my altitude and cloud separation; and I was also especially in tune with ATC to ensure I didn't miss any traffic call outs.  I didn't realize I was that close to the airfield; and when ATC notified me; I double checked my sectional.  CLL is in an especially busy portion of the Houston Sectional; and the Class D boundary got lost in the clutter on the map.  I'm not aware of any actual or potential near misses caused by or incidental to my lapse of situational awareness.  It was a valuable lesson for me to ensure appropriate communication when near controlled airspace.
Pilot reports of receiving flight following and the Controller asking him if he is talking to CLL Tower for permission to go through the Class D airspace.