Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 31; Flight Crew Total 2573; Flight Crew Type 950
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Procedure
Having made the trip from FQD to CRE several times I planned to fly south of Charlotte airspace heading from FQD to Bubba intersection then to FLO then CRE. I had requested and received flight following from Greer Approach and was squawking a discreet transponder code. After a while with Greer I asked if Gamecock was active. Greer asked what my destination was and I advised CRE. After a few seconds he said 'you are cleared direct to your destination.' I assumed that meant I was cleared through Class B as I knew I was near the southwest section. I turned direct to CRE. After a few minutes I was advised to contact Charlotte Approach on a new frequency. I contacted Charlotte and advised I was with them at 5;500 FT. This was acknowledged and I was given a current altimeter setting. After a few minutes I was told that there was sky diving over Catawba Airport from 11;500 FT. I acknowledged and advised I would be through the area ASAP. After a minute or two Charlotte advised that I was in Class B airspace and needed to verify I had clearance before entering in the future. I responded by indicating I had been cleared direct to destination and would certainly do as she requested in the future. She provided clearance and we proceeded to our destination. The 'cleared direct' terminology made me assume I had been cleared into Class B as I was talking to ATC and was under radar coverage. I knew where I was and had planned to stay outside the area but assumed Greer had worked the transition. On the return trip I just filed IFR to avoid any problems and will be doing this in the future as well.
Pilot was cleared direct to destination and thought he had clearance through Class Bravo airspace.