Skylane 182/RG Turbo Skylane/RG
Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 35; Flight Crew Total 3450; Flight Crew Type 1700
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Procedure; Airspace Structure
Was on VFR flight following inbound on the last leg of my flight. When I checked in; Portland Approach control asked if I was familiar; I said I was. He cleared me direct to VanMall. I was flying west bound and was on a long descent from 8;500 feet.As I got about a mile east of the mall; the approach controller told me to squawk VFR and contact Pearson advisory on 119.0. Pearson advisory (which is a controller in the PDX tower) advised that there was a [another aircraft] on a straight in to Runway 26 at VUO after a midfield crossing from PDX. The controller also said 'Remain clear of Class Charlie.'I was a bit confused; since I was in Class C; and was directed to enter that airspace when the approach controller told me to proceed direct to the mall. The mall is in airspace that runs from surface to 4;000 MSL and when I checked in with Pearson advisory I reported that I was at 1;700 feet descending. The Pearson advisory controller asked me; after I checked in; if I was north; or northeast of the mall. I reported I was northeast; which I was. After I turned south; and then west to follow the [other] aircraft; Pearson advisory said I was directed to remain clear of Class C; but I was operating in it. I explained I was told by approach control to go to the mall; which is clearly in Class C airspace and I believed I had a clearance to operate in it. The controller said 'No big deal; we'll let it go this time; but be sure and review the airspace charts'. I apologized; and said I would.Upon review; it was clear to me that the controller didn't know where I was. A complicating factor was that approach control directed me to squawk 1200 when he sent me to Pearson advisory so the Pearson advisory controller was limited in his ability to identify me from all other VFR traffic.In retrospect; I should not have acknowledged Pearson advisories transmission regarding the [other aircraft] and instructions to remain clear of Class Charlie without saying I was operating in Class Charlie. But I was looking for the [the other traffic]; looking into the setting sun; and configuring the airplane for landing and felt certain that the Pearson advisory controller had gotten a handoff from PDX approach control and knew I was going to the VanMall.
Pilot reports of receiving flight following and being told to remain clear of Class Charlie; which he was already in. Controller was not sure of the aircraft position according to reporter.