What does "Resume Own Navigation" mean when under flight following?

luke42179 · #1 03-23-2008, 12:39 PM

low time pilot question . . .

Flew from CRQ to FUL yesterday. On the way back to CRQ in the evening, I obtained VFR flight following and got a squak code. I was around Disneyland (+3000AGL) and thinking about the approach end of SNA (John Wayne) when the controller said "resume own navigation". He did NOT say "radar service terminated" or "squak VFR".

I was a little nervous about flying over SNA and through their class Charlie airspace on "my own navigation". Am I correct to assume that the controller was still giving me radar service and that I was cleared through SNA's airspace?

I ultimately was handed off and so that would seem to be the case. But if so, what exactly does "resume own navigation" mean in that situation?

The AIM's definition was useless so I would appreciate another authoritative answer.

TankerBob · #2 03-23-2008, 12:58 PM

Its means that you are cleared to head whichever direction you were planning on heading before he gave you radar vectors.
For example --- You are given a vector for traffic, because the controller felt it easier to move you instead of him. When you were clear of the traffic, they say that you are cleared to resume own navigation. Well now you can do what you want, you can re-intercept the previous course you were flying or you can now go direct to nav-aid you were using or direct to the airport that is your intended landing. You are still cleared through the airspace if previously granted and you are still under radar services.

Hope that helps

the_other_dougreeves · #3 03-23-2008, 12:59 PM

From the FAA pilot/controller glossary:

"RESUME OWN NAVIGATION- Used by ATC to advise a pilot to resume his/her own navigational responsibility. It is issued after completion of a radar vector or when radar contact is lost while the aircraft is being radar vectored."

"Resume own navigation" essentially means that you are free to set and follow a course of your choosing. That course should be consistent with your stated destination, i.e., don't randomly head in the opposite direction, since they are expecting you to head somewhere, at least in general.

TODR

TSwezey · #4 03-23-2008, 01:00 PM

Usually they will say that after they have vectored you around something/traffic. Basically it means you can now fly direct to your destination. You are still under radar service and should be cleared through SNA. Sometimes they switch controllers why you are going through their airspace and the new controller does not know if you have been vectored anywhere and put off course.

luke42179 · #5 03-23-2008, 01:15 PM

Thanks! Being cleared and monitored was my main worry . . . while heading across the approach path of jets (!!) and through charlie airspace . . . "resume OWN navigation" sounds ominous to the (somewhat) unitiated

rfinch · #6 03-23-2008, 01:20 PM

Good replies and I'll just emphasize it Does Not mean radar service is terminated...you should NOT squawk 1200 or switch frequencies unless they explicitly say "RADAR service terminated". Learned a long time ago the hard way....

lrfrey · #7 03-23-2008, 01:43 PM

Also, don't be surprised if they leave the word OWN out of the phrase, ie "Resume Navigation".

Larry

Geico266 · #8 03-23-2008, 01:44 PM

Good question.

If you have a question in the air with flight following or any ATC just ask. You can always do what I do, begin by saying "Lowtime pilot" or "Student pilot" (I still use this one

) they will (if they are any good) take the hint and explain what is going on. If you ever don't undstand instructions, by all means ask. There is no question they have not heard asked before. You will pick up more as you gain experence, but assuming you know what they want you to do can get you in trouble.

There simply is no dumb questions in the air.

grantcarruthers · #9 03-23-2008, 02:36 PM

If you have not heard "cleared though XYZ" then I'd guess you were not cleared to enter SNA airspace. If you were still outside SNA and direct to your destination was straight through SNA I can see your concern and confusion but do not enter without a specific clearance.

Had you asked specifically to fly through SNA??

Resume own nav means you are responsible for where you go and whether it's legal to go the way you choose. They're looking out for traffic and will likely warn you if you are approaching restricted airspace but YOU are responsible for your path.

luke42179 · #10 03-23-2008, 03:24 PM

thanks guys
Grant - specific clearance is not required to enter class C, only class B. Communication with a controller is all that's required to enter class C. So, my question revolves around whether I was still in communication with the controller and under his radar control. From the replies above, it seems the answer is 'yes', I was.

But, I am at fault for making that assumption when I was not certain of my status. I should have swallowed my pride and asked directly.