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VFR Flight Following

by Jason Schappert

VFR flight following is a wonderful service for pilots to use on their long solo cross country’s and trips even after you’ve obtained your private pilot certificate. However all that talking comes of as intimidating to most pilots. What if I say the wrong thing? or What if I don’t understand what they’re asking? This video below concurs those objections and shows you in detail just how to pick up VFR flight following.

What’s your experience with or opinion of VFR flight following? Leave me a comment below!

Text Transcript

Hey everyone. Jason Schappert of MzeroA dot com. This video on VFR flight following comes from an idea by an MzeroA fan Scott Coute in Vermont. All Scott did was shoot me an email saying, “Hey, Jason. I notice you really don’t have a video on VFR flight following. Could you make one?”

I said, “Scott, as long as I can use your first and last name and where you’re from, I’ll be more than happy to make a video about it.” Guys, if you have any video ideas… maybe something I haven’t talked about yet. Or something you’d like to see explained a bit better. All you have to do is shoot an email at Jason at MzeroA dot com. I’ll be more than happy to take some time and make a video for you guys.

That’s what I’m here for, to create better pilots. So, Scott, here’s your video on VFR flight following. I hope all of you guys enjoy.

***
Hey everyone. Jason Schappert here of MzeroA dot com and this week I want to show you guys a little bit about flight following. VFR flight following. That would be a great service to you guys even on your short cross country flights but most especially on your longer cross country flights. So what I’m gonna do is go ahead and let you guys listen to the pickup flight following.
Wait for a second, we can time that on the radios.

Jason: Good afternoon, Jax Approach! Cessna 512R.

Jax App: 512 Romeo you said?

Jason: Yes sir, Cessna 512 Romeo.Jax App: 512 Romeo go ahead.Jason: Afternoon sir. 512 Romeo, just off of Dunnellon X35. Passing through 2,000 for 3,500. I’d like VFR flight following up to Saint Augustine SGJ if you have a moment.

Jax App: N512 Romeo Squawk 0427

Jason: 0427 for 12 Romeo.

And now what I’m gonna do is wait for him to come back and say his magic words, “Radar contact” and he’ll give me the altimeter settings for the local area.
Jax App: N512 Romeo radar contact 5 southwest of Ocala.

Jason: 12 Romeo, roger, thank you.

Well, he didn’t give us an altimeter setting. Technically, they will but hey, they change everytime. I just wanted you guys to see a little bit about VFR flight following and what a great service it could be to you guys as a pilot.
So, go back and watch that transcription I gave a few more times to help you guys better understand radio communications in the approach system and pick up VFR flight following.

That’s all I have for you guys this week. I hope you enjoyed it. Hope you have a chance to swing by but most importantly, guys! Remember! A good pilot is always learning! Have a great great days guys, see ya!

  • http://twitter.com/astrochase Matthew Lockwood

    Hahahahaha I have no idea why it got to me but the Jeopardy theme totally cracked me up!

  • http://www.privatepilotinsider.com Tommy

    Grest stuff Jason. I didn’t do it for the com’s but in my last video http://www.privatepilotinsider.com/superhawk-2/ you can here me pick up Atlanta’s ATC through KATL class bravo. It really isn’t as hard as some pilots may think. Check it out.

    BTW: I like to fell over backwards in my chair when I heard Jeopardy play. Good add.

    Tommy Eldridge
    http://www.privatepilotinsider.com

  • Scote1992

    Thanks for the video Jason. I know this is one of the first vids on the web I’ve seen and a lot of people I talk to don’t see the importance of flight following, and think it just adds to the workload. Some of them also don’t use flight plans, and in that case flight following can be even more important.

  • Major_Dad

    Thanks for the video Jason. I’m a private pilot since 2006 and try to fly about 75-100 hours a year. I don’t remember ever taking a flight without VFR flight following. Part of that may be because I live in the Washington DC area and am required to file SFRA entry and exit flight plans, so on departure, I’m already talking to the TRACON. That makes it all the easier to just follow-up initial contact with a request for FF to my destination.
    I enjoy the site and all the good training videos and other information you provide. Keep up the good work!

  • Jim

    As always great video! I am a self taught student who depends on videos such as this one as well as others. I find some to be really helpful during the process. However, I have not been able to find any really good videos covering Flight Plans and how to fill them out inconjucntion with a cross-country trip? Is this something you would consider doing or do you have something in your files available? Anything would be truly helpful?

    Keep up the good work and Thanks! Jim

  • Ed

    Another great video,thank you!! See you at Sun N Fun !!

  • http://www.facebook.com/MyScien Michael Mayes

    Heh, during my training, we never picked up flight following, and I haven’t yet post check ride either.

    Mainly due to intimidation. I know vaguely what I would have to do to pick it up, but have never tried.

  • skycaptian

    thankx jason for ur videos i appreciated that

  • http://twitter.com/omarbadr36 Omar Badr

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_pY3vgML7A&feature=related

    i though you did that once before, anyway great video ..

  • superbaron

    Great video! Thanks!

    A couple follow-up questions:

    1) Flight following allows you to enter Class B and Class C airspace, correct? Are there any limitations on direction/altitude changes as you fly through, or are you supposed to keep your best “direct” track to the location you said you’re going to?

    2) How close do you have to be to the radar facility to pick up flight following?

    Thanks!

  • Howard

    Was the file updated ? When I try to play it the playback is fine until it switches to the cockpit then the audio goes garbled and completely unintelligible.

  • Rnystrom

    Class C only if you are communicating with the class C’s approach. NOT Class B! You have to hear “N##### cleared through the Bravo” or something to that effect. It’s also OK to ask for clearance as sometimes they may either forget or think that you will avoid it.

  • Jake

    When receiving flight following, do you need to report any altitude changes?

  • Kendall

    Its as easy as the four W’s. Who you are, where your at, what you want, and where your going. Stating those will get you started easily with Flight Following.

  • http://all-things-aviation.com/pilot-shop Jetaviator7

    One thing for sure, VFR flight following at least can help locate you and your aircraft if something goes wrong. I vote for flight following no matter which flight plan you are on!

  • Terry

    J,… Im a regular with FF,… if Im goin over 30 miles…. The workload is on the FF crew, not on the pilot, and if Im not going atleast 30 miles I prefer not to bother them,… I read the replies, scote,FF I think is a excellent (free) safety net,… and really easy to use…… I wish J would have covered the hand off’s (very important and simple) and termination of radar contact (what to expect) and I always ask if they see any traffic between me and the field when I terminate FF , just as a safty precaution……… thanks J..

  • http://twitter.com/myflightcoach Chris Findley

    Great vid and the Jeapordy music made me snort my coffee through my nose!

    Many students seem shy about asking for and working with ATC…thanks for putting another great video together to show everyone how it’s done!

    Chris
    blog.myflightcoach.com

  • Pmckanna

    I always use Flight Following – and I request it during my initial contact to ground control when at a controlled field. It just makes sense and it greatly enhances your level of safety. It really helps when flying into Class B airspace – but that does not mean you are cleared into Class B. You still must get specifically cleared into Class B. I actually have found no reasons to not utilize it…

  • Anonymous

    Hey Omar!

    figured i’d do another and Jazz this one up a bit

    Both are great resources

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    hahah glad you enjoyed it Matt

    Jason

  • Danmelena

    9 good reasons for VFR Flight Following:

    1)Free TCAS
    2)Free Weather Radar
    3)Altimeter Updates
    4)Someone knows where you are
    5)You’re on the right frequency
    6)Polish those radio skills
    7)Common courtesy
    8)Controlled Airspace made easy
    9)Lost? No problem

    My source: http://www.aviationchatter.com/2009/02/nine-reasons-to-request-a-vfr-flight-following/

    ps: I wonder if Alex Trebek fly’s?

  • Anonymous

    Thanks Tommy,

    Thanks for the link too!

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Dude, it’s so important! It’s like having someone watching your back! It’s huge!

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Thanks Major! Sounds like you’re pretty good on the radios in that case! Very glad you’re loving the website. Let me know if I can help in anyway!

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Jim, Thanks for the kind words!

    I can look into doing a video like that for you one of these days

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Dude! Can’t wait! See ya at SnF

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Michael,

    One of those thing you might stumble through or better yet go up with a friend who’s got a good understanding of it. It will really help on those longer flights

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Thanks man!

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Rnystrom is correct… You must hear those Magic words “cleared into class Bravo”

    You’re required to have your own means of navigation (usually straight line) however they can always help time permitting.

    To answer your second question…. Unless you’re in remote areas in Alaska or Death Valley you’ll be in radar coverage of some facility. look up the airport in your AFD to see who it is and what frequency.

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    hmmm everything seems fine… Maybe a Youtube glitch?

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Jake,

    Only if you’re requested to however I always give a heads up like “Jaz app cessna 12R starting my descent to such and such airport” or “12R looking for lower”

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Kendall,

    Smart thinking my friend I like it

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Spot on!

    I love the idea of someone keeping an eye on me

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Terry!

    Great comment! I’ll look into covering some handoffs in a future video! Wonderful idea

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    Thanks so much Chris!

    Jason

  • Anonymous

    I usually do it with ground control too if they’ll take me…Never hurts to ask

    Jason

  • Garserio

    Great video. I really enjoy these live ones that you do, especially the ones that include real radio calls. Keep these kinds coming!

  • http://twitter.com/larryoverstreet Larry Overstreet

    I used VFR flight following for most of my trip from Wisconsin to SnF11. Got great service from the controllers, smooth handoffs to the next controller, and valuable traffic advisories. One controller even said he wished he was headed to Snf! Flight following can be your best friend if you have any problems in the air. There is someone already watching you, who knows your location, and is ready to help.

  • Jdtilton

    Dumb question, Jason, but if you are in Class E airspace when you call and receive FF, and your course will require transiting Class B or Class C space, does the fact that you have Flight Following eliminate the requirement to make contact, and in case of Class Bravo, receive permission, prior to entering space? Managing the airspace calls still gets me flustered!

  • Jdtilton

    oops! just read the other comments and found my answer!

  • Paul ruderham

    Hi all, just doing my cross country at the moment. I agree Kendall it’s the who what where call. I fly over france for my cross country.

    Love your videos Jason very helpful

  • Pb

    Likeed the video footage. Going to try to secure flight following on my next cross country.

  • Tim Fiedler

    Hey, this is a great vid, but I have a question. I am flying from KUES near Milwaukee, Wi to KLAN in Lansing, Mi. I don’t want to fly directly over Lake Michigan in my Tri-pacer, so how would I let flight following know that I want to fly to the south end of the lake along the shore line, and then change course direct to east Lansing?

    Thanks!

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