![]() Providing radar services to VFR flights is on a “workload permitting basis.” That’s FAA-speak for “if you’re soaking up all the controller’s time, he’ll terminate you so he can concentrate on the other traffic he’s handling.” It says so right in the AIM: “Controllers possess complete discretion for determining whether they are able to provide or continue to provide this service in a specific case. While en route, the pilot contacts the appropriate ATC facility and requests the service. An important distinction is that while in Class B or C airspace, separation standards may also be applied. When departing a Class B or C airport, radar services are provided once you’re identified, and can be continued as the flight moves from one ATC sector or facility to another. Once ATC issues you a squawk code for the transponder and identifies your aircraft, the controller will advise you of any potential traffic conflicts observed on the radar screen. To obtain and use flight following, your aircraft needs two things: a communications radio and a transponder. It’s described as a service in which pilots “are advised of any radar target observed on the radar display which may be in such proximity to the position of their aircraft or its intended route of flight that it warrants their attention.” Importantly, the AIM continues: “This service is not intended to relieve the pilot of the responsibility for continual vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft.” ![]() The FAA’s Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) describes what we commonly know as VFR flight following in Paragraph 4-1-15, Radar Traffic Information Service. So, what is this service, and how can pilots use it? More important, since it’s entirely at the controller’s discretion, how can pilots “hack” the system-maximize the chances they’ll get the services they want? What Is Flight Following? It’s especially useful on a long, VFR cross-country flight but is equally valued just scooting around Class B and C airspace. Because they’ve had little exposure to the practice, they also often don’t know what to expect from ATC once the service is being provided or understand what’s expected of them.Īnd that’s a shame, since obtaining and using flight following is a skill that’s definitely worth having in your toolbox. The reasons why are complicated- often involving lazy instructors and low-level training flights that rarely use ATC-but it’s not uncommon for a freshly certificated pilot to not know how to obtain VFR flight following. ![]() No matter what it’s called-flight following, VFR advisories or the FAA’s official term, “Radar Traffic Information Service”-the radar-based assistance ATC provides VFR pilots to help them identify and avoid nearby traffic often can be a mystery to pilots.
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