VFR Flight Following – a new pilot’s guide

Acknowledgements: September 6, 2022/ Tips and technique/by Eric Radtk

What is it?

Flight following is a service that every VFR pilot should take advantage of, and it could even be a lifesaver. It is a relatively simple concept; it indicates the flight is radar identified by ATC, and advisories may be available from the controller .... ATC will serve as another set of eyes in the sky to keep you apprised of other traffic targets that could be a threat .... While controllers will always strive to assist participating aircraft in every way possible, their primary responsibility is separating IFR traffic, so the service should always be viewed as a supplemental tool for seeing and avoiding traffic or other obstacles.

How do I get it?

Flight following can be requested at normal cruise altitudes anywhere radar coverage is available, but for low-level terminal radar coverage, you would generally need to be operating near a Class B or C airport or Class D with terminal radar service. For locating the correct frequency to use flight following, consult the relevant charts which cover your route. Many GPS navigators and charting apps will also provide frequency information ....

What do I say to ATC?

As a controller is more likely to provide services to a pilot who doesn’t sound as if they will be overly burdensome, you should strive to sound like you know what you’re doing and have some self-awareness .... The controller will want to know your present position, aircraft type/call sign, altitude, and your destination .... If the controller is working a busy frequency, start with an initial call that provides your type/call sign and adds simply that you have a VFR request .... When the controller is free to receive your request, you will be given a transponder “squawk” code to identify you. As a VFR pilot, you will be asked to enter this unique code, and the controller will advise you when radar contact is established. As a VFR aircraft, altitude is at the pilot’s discretion unless there has been an explicit assignment by ATC for traffic purposes. You should advise the controller of any altitude changes.

How is a hand-off to another ATC facility handled?

If the controller has coordinated a hand-off, meaning your flight information has been passed on to the next facility and a new controller is awaiting your check-in, the controller will supply you with the new frequency required for you to do so ....

If a hand-off was not coordinated, the controller will inform you that radar service is terminated and your current squawk code will need to be reset to VFR, 1200. There may or may not be a suggestion as to the next frequency you might contact for further flight following assistance.

What are some Do’s and Don’ts of flight following?

·     DO listen out! Don’t make the controller’s job more difficult by missing your call sign call.

·     DO have your flight plan information at the ready (airport ID, requested altitude, on-course heading, etc.)

·     DO be an active participant in seeing and avoiding other air traffic. As a VFR pilot it remains your responsibility

·     DO also monitor the emergency frequency 121.5 as a backup in case ATC has difficulty raising you on the primary frequency. Often ATC will utilize the emergency frequency as a last resort to reach you.

·     DON’T assume ATC is taking responsibility for other air traffic. Always keep a look-out.

·     DON’T rely on ATC for navigation. You may get an inquiry if it appears you’re straying well off course, but navigation remains the VFR pilot’s responsibility.

·     DON’T rely on ATC for weather avoidance. You may hear a weather advisory, but it’s completely discretionary .... You may inquire about potential weather hazards or request a frequency change to call flight service.

Do I have to terminate flight following or will ATC do that?

·       If you’re ready to change to a local advisory frequency, you may initiate a termination of service.

·       If you need to leave the ATC frequency briefly to contact another, you can make that request without terminating service.

·       If you’re venturing outside of radar coverage, or if workload no longer permits flight following, it could be initiated by ATC.

Does ATC consider flight following a nuisance or a bother?

An ATC facility would prefer an aircraft be on frequency as it eliminates a relative unknown in terms of your intentions and makes it easier for a controller to complete his primary task of separating IFR traffic 

So, what are the benefits of VFR flight following?

·       If you had the choice of flying with a safety pilot or not, of course you would welcome a safety pilot.

·       If you had the benefit of another trained aviation professional to assist you in an emergency, of course you would accept input.

·       If you had a helping hand that could potentially provide safety alerts and even assist in weather avoidance, of course you would heed the advice.

All of this and more is available to you FREE through our well-trained and capable air traffic controllers.

FLY SAFE!