From an air traffic control perspective, VFR flight following seems to always be a point of contention between VFR only towers and the supporting approach and arrival facilities. From a pilot’s perspective, this dance of regulation is never made apparent. The benefits of VFR flight following extend to all stakeholders of a flight, and to become more aware of it; we will take a look at the policy as outlined by the FAA and the practical use of VFR flight following.
What is VFR Flight Following?
VFR flight following is a request made by a pilot to receive services from an approach or departure control facility. This request is not commonly initiated by a tower unless specific procedures and agreements are in place to ensure pilots are given the option.
Flight following is a VFR flight receiving radar-like services from a facility. This can include vectors, traffic calls, and weather information. Although the aircraft is still considered VFR, they will likely be given instructions in a similar fashion to an IFR aircraft. Navigational assistance is always helpful to aircraft, specifically when visual landmarks and hazards are not readily apparent or a pilot is flying into an area he or she is not familiar with.
Flight following also means that someone is watching you, and that’s a good thing. If something goes wrong, you get lost, have a mechanical problem, or become somehow incapacitated, someone will notice. As air travel becomes more congested and air traffic control facilities consolidate it is becoming more important to elevate the importance of personal flight safety.
How do I go about receiving these services?
The best way to request flight following is to simply ask for it. At any point during your departure communications with the tower, you can request a code and flight following.
Phraseology example:
“Niagara Tower, Lear 401EG has Bravo, is ready to taxi, and would like flight following to Rochester at 2,500”
“Lear 401EG, Niagara Tower, Roger, Runway 28R, Taxi via Lima, Mike, Delta, Delta 1, Cross runway 28L – Standby for flight following”
“Lear 401EG, Roger”
“Lear 401EG, Tower, Squawk 4451, Buffalo approach control is available on 126.5”
This Learjet is now in the air traffic system, and his or her real flight plan is available and in front of each sector of airspace that will be providing services to the aircraft.
Flight following is also available if you are already in the air. Contact the appropriate facility and request flight following. Best practice dictates that you ask for flight following, receive a response, and then give the details. Although this is not necessary, it may allow for avoidance of duplicative transmissions.
“Buffalo approach, Lear 401EG”
“Lear 401EG, Buffalo approach, altimeter 29.92”
“Lear 401EG roger, say destination and requested altitude”
“Buffalo approach, Lear 401EG is over Somerset and 3500 southeast bound and would like flight following”
“Lear 401EG roger, say destination and requested altitude”
“1EG is heading to Rochester at 3500”
“Lear 1EG, roger, squawk 4553 and proceed on course”
…
This gives the controller enough time to listen to you and remember what your request was. If you ask during peak traffic hours and speak too quickly or the controller is not prepared for your request, you may have to repeat yourself many times.
Be Kind: Make sure you request this service prior to taking the runway for departure. The controller has to type all of this information into a computer that he or she may not be near. Ask before taxi for the best results and a guarantee of compliance.
How is flight following different from filing a VFR flight plan?
This is a great question, and it is the primary source of confusion for pilots. When a pilot files a VFR flight plan they are not getting entered into the FDIO or STARS systems used by air traffic control. A VFR flight plan is generally used by flight service stations to track overdue or lost aircraft. Filing a flight plan with an FSS is a good idea; however, it does not constitute a request for any services.
From a practical perspective, a VFR flight plan is nearly useless to air traffic control facilities (except in the case of a lost or overdue aircraft). If a pilot would like any type of radar enabled services, he or she will need to ask a control facility for flight following.
Can I have flight following over Canada?
Niagara Falls (KIAG) and the Canadian border are so close in proximity that the control tower at KIAG cannot issue flight following into or through Canadian airspace. Request for a VFR flight plan or VFR flight following should be made with Transport Canada. KIAG will not issue a squawk code to VFR aircraft overflying Canadian airspace.
The information contained within this post is for informative use only, FAA regulations change frequently, and we advise before you use any of this advice you consult with the most recent versions of the AIM or the 7110.65.
– See more at: https://www.calspanairservices.com/2017/03/08/vfr-flight-following/#sthash.A4kZaIi1.dpuf
