What is required before a flight in controlled airspace?

Before a flight in controlled airspace, it is essential to obtain prior clearance and communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC). This requirement ensures that the pilot is granted permission to enter and operate within the specified controlled airspace, which can include Class B, Class C, and Class D airspace. The communication with ATC helps to coordinate traffic, enhance safety by managing the flow of aircraft, and provide services such as traffic advisories and navigation assistance.

While other actions such as filing a flight plan, checking weather conditions, and performing a pre-flight inspection are also important components of flight preparation, they do not specifically fulfill the requirement for obtaining access to controlled airspace. Filing a flight plan is useful for planning and safety, but it does not replace the necessity of clearance from ATC. Similarly, while knowing weather conditions is critical for safe flight, it does not address the regulation surrounding entry into controlled airspace. Performing a pre-flight inspection is an essential safety measure, but it is not a regulatory requirement for entering controlled airspace. Therefore, prior clearance and communication with ATC is the key requirement before flying in controlled airspace.