Our base airport was uncontrolled, but there was Class B airspace (CVG) not far to the south. Getting a clearance at a small airport was not big deal, but the Big Ones often would ignore you, saying "Stay clear of Class B", so you'd have to go around. It was part of the flight test, as I dimly recall.
(Class A airspace is anything above 18,000 feet, so Class B is the largest airport situation.)
I somehow left all my gear back in Cincy, including my log book and license. I recently sent off to get my license, and it came. I pondered a bit getting currrent again and thought "Nah". It's expensive and not very practical, kind of like golf.
Most private pilots only fly to maintain currency, they don't often really go anywhere.
