When flying to or from a satellite airport without an operating control tower within Class C airspace, what must a pilot do?

When flying to or from a satellite airport without an operating control tower within Class C airspace, a pilot is required to establish communication with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) serving facility. This is crucial because Class C airspace is designed to manage increased traffic volumes and maintain safe separation between aircraft. Establishing communication enables pilots to receive important information such as traffic advisories, alerts about nearby aircraft, and instructions for entering and exiting the airspace.

While a flight plan can be useful and might be required for certain operations, it is not mandatory for entering Class C airspace specifically. Similarly, receiving authorization from a control tower is not applicable for satellite airports that do not have an operating tower. Lastly, while altitude regulations apply, merely flying at a minimum altitude does not address the communication requirements essential for safety in controlled airspace. Establishing communication with ATC is a key responsibility for pilots to ensure compliance and safety in such environments.