VFR flight following is one of the most underrated tools for general aviation pilots. It provides radar monitoring, traffic advisories, and communication support, making any flight safer and smoother. While many pilots request flight following only after takeoff, a smarter option exists: requesting VFR flight following on the ground at radar-equipped airports.
Getting Started at a Radar-Capable Tower
At airports with both a control tower and radar services, you can often request flight following directly from ground control. Here’s how it works:
- Obtain the current ATIS information
- Contact ground control with both your taxi and flight following requests in a single, clear transmission. For example: “Skyhawk 2-3 Mike Zulu, with information Bravo, ready to taxi, would also like VFR flight following to Tampa International, at four thousand five hundred.”
If controllers can accommodate you, they’ll issue taxi instructions, a squawk code, and a departure frequency. This process is quick and efficient, integrating your aircraft into the radar system before takeoff.
Staying Organized Before Taxi
Preparation is the key. Have a notepad ready, the airport diagram open, and the correct frequencies set. At larger airports, taxi routes can be complex, and frequency changes can be frequent. Writing down the squawk code, departure frequency, and other key details keeps communication clear and manageable, reducing distractions while taxiing.
Benefits of Requesting Flight Following Early
Requesting VFR flight following on the ground has several advantages:
- Fewer frequency changes once airborne.
- Reduced distractions during departure.
- Immediate ATC monitoring, especially in busy airspace like Class B or Class C areas.
- Extra safety and situational awareness right after takeoff.
Starting flight following early allows pilots to focus on flying the airplane instead of juggling frequencies.
When It’s Not an Option
Not every towered airport can accommodate pre-departure flight following.
This service is provided workload permitting, so controllers may decline during busy periods or if radar services aren’t available. In those cases, you can request a flight following shortly after takeoff when in contact with departure control.
Thinking Ahead and Flying Smarter
Requesting VFR flight following on the ground is more than a convenience, it’s a mindset.
Pilots who think ahead reduce stress and maintain better control. Small actions like programming the GPS, reviewing taxi routes, and pre-filling clearance details all contribute to safer and more efficient flights.
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