A320
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 210; Flight Crew Total 21000; Flight Crew Type 1800
Distraction; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert
Airspace Structure; Chart Or Publication; Company Policy; Procedure
We were being vectored on a left downwind for a Visual Approach to Runway 27 at IAH. Aircraft were being turned on to about a 25 mile final. Aircraft were also given a descent to 2000 feet and told that they would be outside the Class B airspace. I am concerned because this area has a lot of VFR traffic; many of whom do not talk to Approach Control and there is no way to guarantee that they have an operable transponder that is turned on and accurate. Even when the 'heavies' reach the Class B ring they are at the very bottom of protected airspace. Most VFR pilots in this area feel they are safe from airliners if they remain outside (below) Class B airspace. Descending airliners into a busy General Aviation flying area; one that includes a practice area for student pilots; is a very hazardous practice.
A320 Captain reported Approach Control assigned an altitude below the Class B airspace into an area known as a VFR student pilot practice area.