M-20 E Super 21
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 270; Flight Crew Total 9530; Flight Crew Type 279
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Conflict Airborne Conflict
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
I was climbing out of LVJ and turned westbound to avoid Houston Class B airspace. My intent was to climb to 1;500 ft and proceed westbound around Class B airspace and climb once in radar contact and/or cleared into Class B. As I was passing through 1;000 ft; my passenger called out traffic going right above us. As it was going from my 4 o'clock to 10 o'clock high position I saw it was a B737. He looked close! As he began the turn to the right and still descending on what looked like a visual approach to Runway 4 at HOU; it appeared that he was descending below Class B airspace and again heading towards us. At this point; I decided to descend and maneuver out of his way. Meanwhile; I was in contact with HOU Approach and they gave me a squawk code and asked me to IDENT. No mention of any radar contact. After the 737 passed above the first time; I queried ATC if they had us on radar; and told them I had the 737 in sight. At this point; the Controller gave me a new frequency. I switched frequencies. No answer there; so I returned to [previous frequency]. It was at this point that I maneuvered to get out 737's way. After the completion of the maneuver I was given another squawk code and a radar contact. I might have gotten close to the tip of Class B airspace; but I am certain I did not penetrate the boundary. After getting the 'radar contact' call; the rest of my flight was uneventful. In the vicinity of HOU; there are several busy GA airports. Most GA pilots will stay below Class B airspace and possibly not be in communication with ATC. It is critical that airline pilots remain aware of the floor of Class B and stick to it as that is one of the big protective layers for all parties. In this case; I would caution 737 pilots against descending below Class B airspace; and specifically remain at 2;000 ft until inside of 3NM from ESAAY on approach to HOU Runway 4.
GA pilot reported an airborne conflict with a 737 outside of Class B airspace near HOU.