VFR Flight Following Question

[N131RV]

Originally Posted by Dean

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?

The answer is "it depends". Most of the time, when you are cross country and using FF, you can do as you please. It's courteous to tell FF but not required unless the controller directs you otherwise. When they need a specific course and altitude they will direct you with specific instructions and usually include a phrase directing you to notify or request a deviation.

Inside controlled airspace, it's a different story. Usually, when I am in controlled airspace I am given specific instructions to follow and I do. Any deviation must be requested and approved, unless it's an emergency. Even in an emergency, you should inform the controller of your needs and intentions.

YMMV,

[steveKs.]

The last couple of times I have been on FF, center asked me for 'cruising alititude'.
I make my FF request with position, altitude (I always report altitude as 'level' or present altitude and "climbing to"), destination and ID. I don't recall being asked for my 'cruising altitude' in the past. I wonder if this is something new. I was asked on initial call up and once when being handed off to a military controller going through a MOA.

I agree with above that you should advise of any deviation to your reported and assumed route/altitude.

Oh, and if you arn't familiar with FF, when reporting back after freq. change, just say your "N number and altitude" they know the rest (they need the altitude to confirm what they are reading on your transponder).....you don't need to even say "with you", they know that too.

[frankh]

I resonated with the above statement, remember that SO FAR ATC services are free and may they long continue to be so.

In the meantime I strive to cause controllers as little work as possible whether VFR or IFR. I have on occasion heard GA pilots stumble over words and make a complete hash of reading back instructions etc. What this does is add to the controllers hassle and gives those who point to user fees as the cure to airspace congestion more ammunition.

The more I sound like an airline pilot the more I like it.

Now if we get user fees then all bets are off..

Frank

[ronschreck]

The AIM Pilot/Controller Glossary does not define "Flight Following" but only advises the reader to "See TRAFFIC ADVISORIES".

I think too many pilots believe that by requesting flight following they will be kept clear of other traffic, restricted areas, TFR's, male pattern baldness and the heartbreak of psoriasis. In fact, flight following or traffic advisory service does not relieve the pilot of the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft and the pilot should not assume that all traffic will be issued. Keeping you clear of terrain, restricted areas and TFR's is a nice thing that controllers VOLUNTARILY do for you. If they are unable to do any of these services due to other higher priority duties they are not even required to tell you that they are suspending traffic advisory service. So, when you violate that TFR or restricted area, telling the FAA investigator that you were flight following with XXX Center will get you nowhere. And you will still be stuck with the heartbreak of psoriasis!

Personnally, I find that if I spend 100 percent of my effort to navigate and clear for traffic ON MY OWN, I become more aware of my situation and am not lulled into a false sense of security by depending on some overworked controller to look after me when he has the time and inclination. YMMV

Fly safe.

[steveKs.]

I completely agree that we are responsible for our own separation and navigation even when recieving radar advisories. I trust only my own eyes even when being controlled by ATC.

I like FF or radar advisories because they often see other aircraft and give me a heads up where to look when I havn't picked them up yet with my own eyes.
I also like the idea that their finger is on my pulse if I need someone to come looking for me in the advent of a forced landing and little time to communicate my position and status.