VFR Flight Following Question

Dean · #1 07-13-2008, 06:06 AM

When on VFR Flight Following and I need to make turns or change direction, do I need to advise the controller? I am not talking about changing altitude only heading. Do I need to advise the controller every time I want to change a course heading. How about if only to divert around a cloud and then resume back direct on course?

Sid Lambert · #2 07-13-2008, 06:15 AM

I often deviate a few degrees to avoid clouds and they have never complained.

As long as the destination doesn't change I don't see a problem with wondering around a bit.

It's common for aerial photogs to get flight following when shooting a site and they are rarely flying in a straight line.

bergroup · #3 07-13-2008, 06:21 AM

You are not required to advise the controller of any heading and/or altitude changes while on VFR Flight Following. As long as you maintain VFR minimums, you can basically do anything you want. (Navigationally speaking.) Just make sure to advise the controller before you make any frequency changes or when you wish to terminate flight following. Under VFR flight following you are still responsible to see and be seen. The controller is under no obligation to identify potential traffic conflicts although most will.

Tandem46 · #4 07-13-2008, 06:22 AM

Dean,

Since it's your responisbility to "maintain VFR", ATC expects you to manuever as necessary. As Sid said, as long as you don't go off on some completely different direction (ie, change destination), then ATC won't care. If you do need to do that, just simply advise them what you're doing so that they're not looking at their screen wondering what you're doing.

hevansrv7a · #5 07-13-2008, 07:05 AM

It is common in my experience for controllers to request that I advise of any change in altitude. Maybe I don't HAVE TO but it sure makes sense to comply with such a reasonable request in the interest of safety. I would think that course changes could be viewed similarly. The altitude consideration is especially true in or near terminal airspace which is, of course, where flight following is the most important. I have also had them say "resume own navigation" when they are able to do so.

Let's remember that requesting FF means we want assistance with separation. It only makes sense to make that assistance easier to give. Separation keeps the IFR traffic safer, too.

TSwezey · #6 07-13-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hevansrv7a

It is common in my experience for controllers to request that I advise of any change in altitude. Maybe I don't HAVE TO but it sure makes sense to comply with such a reasonable request in the interest of safety. I would think that course changes could be viewed similarly. The altitude consideration is especially true in or near terminal airspace which is, of course, where flight following is the most important. I have also had them say "resume own navigation" when they are able to do so.

Let's remember that requesting FF means we want assistance with separation. It only makes sense to make that assistance easier to give. Separation keeps the IFR traffic safer, too.

I have to agree with this and I ALWAYS advise when making altitude changes. You can create very dangerous situations and a lot of work for the controllers if you are bouncing around at all different altitudes. I am very thankful for FF and try to make it as easy as possible for them. Don't be a PITA!

Bill Wightman · #7 07-13-2008, 08:06 AM

The above posts are all correct *assuming* the controller doesn't give you any specific assignments.

It is possible and permissible for ATC to issue altitude, heading, airspeed or even course assignments to you as a VFR aircraft. I've had this happen many times, and in that case, you are required to comply, if possible.

Example: you're VFR FF and ATC wants to take you around airspace or other traffic. They might issue a heading, altitude, or both.

bsacks05 · #8 07-13-2008, 08:19 AM

From my limited experience: If you are in the proximity of busy airspace (Charlotte, D.C., etc..) and under FF, stay on course and altitude. If I have to maneuver for clouds in airspace that is well away from Bravo then I just advise the controller before hand.

JoeLofton · #9 07-13-2008, 10:41 AM

Once on FF, without any instructions to report changes, I was approaching a waypoint for a turn through the 180 deg heading and started my climb to the next x500 feet. The controller asked my intentions. When I explained he stated that I shouldn't make an altitude change without notifying him. So some controllers expect to be notified regardless. Now I report in with any significant heading/altitude changes. If it helps them, it helps me.

...Joe

Dean · #10 07-13-2008, 11:31 AM

Thanks for all the responses it helps alot. There is the text book answer and reality. When I'm on FF I like to keep ATC informed of anything that I do. I was recently on a cross country at 11,500 and flew through two clouds (3-4 seconds each. I was on top of puffing cumulous and had 2 pinnacles that extended higher than myself about 300-400ft. I was in and out quickly and in hindsight should have just turned to avoid them. Everything else was clear. Next time I will stay legal and steer around them. I will also contact ATC and notify them of my intentions to wander a bit.