Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 1050; Flight Crew Type 450
Situational Awareness; Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Airspace Structure; Human Factors; Procedure
I was cruising VFR at an altitude of 2500 FT MSL to MDT. I contacted Harrisburg Approach prior to entering the TRSA for VFR advisories. Harrisburg gave me a transponder code and then verified radar contact. I was told to climb and maintain at or above 3500 FT to which I replied 'Unable due to not being able to maintain VFR.' The controller said to maintain VFR and remain at 2500 FT. As I proceeded on course; I saw that my present course would take me into the MDT Class D airspace but since I was talking to Harrisburg Approach; I assumed that two-way communication with Harrisburg would suffice for the Class D airspace. After reviewing the FAR/AIM; I realized that I should have altered course or asked Harrisburg to leave the frequency and contact MDT for clearance thru Class D airspace.
Pilot under flight following questions if he should have contacted a Tower for clearance through the Class Delta.