Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 400; Flight Crew Type 25
Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Airspace Structure; Procedure; Human Factors
Approximately 20-25 miles east of SDL; we advised Albuquerque we would like to begin our descent to SDL. Albuquerque acknowledged then instructed us to proceed while staying 'north of the 101 Loop'. Concerned about the airspace and unfamiliar with the area; we then asked if a direct heading to Deer Valley would ensure our compliance. Albuquerque confirmed and moments later handed us off to Phoenix. Phoenix then said you have no Bravo clearance and please turn to a heading of 360. We immediately made the turn to the north and quickly accelerated our descent knowing the floor of the Bravo was at 7;000 feet ahead and slightly to the east of our location. Phoenix then said say intentions; we said we are 'heading 360 as instructed and trying to descend below the Bravo. Phoenix then replied that they had already cleared us through the Bravo and to maintain a heading of 360 until further advised. Flustered by the responses; we awaited further direction. Moments later we were given 'own navigation to SDL; stay clear of the Deer Valley Delta; keep the code and contact SDL Tower.'This event was entirely my fault. I should confirmed with Albuquerque that we in fact had clearance when I had asked permission to start our descent. The aircraft is new to me; the area was unfamiliar and I simply made a mistake.
Small aircraft pilot reported poor communication with ATC and unfamiliarity with the area led to an airspace violation.