What is VFR Flight Following?
VFR flight following a service provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to help VFR (Visual Flight Rules) pilots navigate safely through controlled airspace. Jason Schappert and his son, Gavin, compare it to ordering a pizza – yes, pizza! Gavin’s favorite is pineapple pizza, and just like ordering that, VFR flight following requires pilots to communicate:
- Who they are
- Where they are
- What they want
For example, “This is 9052 Sierra Bravo. I’m about 10 miles south of Ocala at 3,700 feet climbing to 8,500. Requesting VFR flight following to Naples.” Simple and effective – just like placing a pizza order.
Making a Cold Call to ATC
This video emphasizes the importance of making a cold call first – this is how pilots get the attention of ATC. Here what that sounds like in the air:
“Jax Approach, Cirrus 9052 Sierra Bravo”
Once they acknowledge, follow up with location, altitude, and request. For instance:
“Cirrus 9052 Sierra Bravo, 10 miles due south of Ocala, 4,000 climbing 8,500. Request VFR flight following to Alpha Papa Foxtrot, please.” From here, ATC will assign a squawk code, confirm radar contact, and the pilot is all set.
Radar Contact
Shortly after the call, ATC confirms:
“9052 Sierra Bravo, radar contact, 8 miles south of Ocala…” That means the pilot is being tracked and supported on radar. It’s that easy… and remember, a good pilot is always learning!
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