Definition:
Flight following refers to a radar service provided by air traffic control (ATC) to pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules, designed to enhance safety and situational awareness while in flight. This service includes traffic advisories, limited navigation assistance, and emergency support for pilots who maintain radio contact with controllers.
Flight following is offered on a workload-permitting basis, meaning controllers provide the service as their primary duties allow, and remains completely voluntary for VFR pilots. This valuable safety tool provides an additional layer of protection while allowing pilots to maintain full command authority for their flights.
Key Takeaways
Enhanced Safety Service – VFR flight following provides traffic advisories, weather updates, and emergency assistance to pilots operating under visual flight rules.
Operational Awareness – Effective use of flight following significantly improves situational awareness, especially in busy terminal airspace or during cross-country flights.
Service Accessibility – This free service is available to properly equipped aircraft with functioning radio and transponder systems, though it remains contingent on ATC workload capacity.
Types of Flight Following Services
Traffic Advisories
Traffic advisories constitute the primary component of flight following, alerting pilots to nearby aircraft and other traffic that may pose collision risks. Controllers track and relay position information about surrounding traffic to help pilots maintain safe separation.
Weather Information
Controllers provide valuable updates on developing weather conditions, helping pilots make informed decisions about route modifications or altitude changes to avoid hazardous conditions.
Navigation Assistance
While not providing full IFR-style guidance, controllers can offer limited navigational assistance including headings to destinations, vectors around restricted airspace, and information about local landmarks.
Emergency Support
Flight following offers immediate ATC contact during emergencies, providing crucial coordination for assistance, routing to suitable landing facilities, and relay of critical information to emergency services.
Airspace Transition Assistance
Controllers facilitate smoother transitions through complex airspace environments, providing advance coordination with adjacent facilities and reducing pilot workload during high-stress flight segments. This is particularly important when transitioning through busy and complex environments like Class B airspace, where obtaining ATC clearance and following specific communication protocols is essential.
Flight Plan Monitoring
While not a formal flight plan filing service, flight following allows controllers to monitor aircraft progress and provide support should deviations or emergencies occur during the journey.
Terminal Area Guidance
As aircraft approach destination airports, controllers can provide sequencing information, airport advisories, and coordination with tower facilities to ensure orderly arrivals.
Terrain and Obstacle Alerts
Terrain and obstacle alerts are an essential part of VFR flight following. Air traffic control (ATC) can issue safety alerts to pilots when an aircraft is in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft. These alerts are contingent on the controller’s awareness of the situation and are intended for time-critical scenarios where safety is at risk. While not compulsory, these alerts provide an additional layer of safety, allowing pilots to take timely action to avoid potential hazards. Once an alert is issued, it is up to the pilot to determine the appropriate course of action, ensuring the safety of the flight.
The Crucial Role of VFR Flight Following in Aviation Safety
VFR flight following plays a vital role in the aviation system by providing an additional layer of safety and situational awareness for pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules. It bridges the gap between fully unmonitored VFR flight and the comprehensive oversight of Instrument Flight Rules, offering pilots significant safety benefits while maintaining operational flexibility.
One of the primary functions of flight following is enhancing collision avoidance through traffic advisories. Controllers actively monitor aircraft in radar contact and alert pilots to potentially conflicting traffic, substantially reducing midair collision risks in busy airspace. This service is particularly valuable in high-density terminal environments where aircraft converge from multiple directions and altitudes.
Safety is significantly enhanced through the immediate communication link established between pilots and ATC. Should an emergency develop, pilots already in radio contact with controllers can quickly declare their situation without the delays associated with establishing initial contact or searching for appropriate frequencies. Controllers can then coordinate necessary resources, provide vectors to suitable landing facilities, and relay critical information to emergency services.
Beyond safety considerations, flight following contributes to pilot proficiency and confidence. Regular communication with ATC improves radio skills, enhances situational awareness, and builds comfort operating in complex airspace environments. For student pilots and those building experience, this practice proves invaluable for professional development and overall airmanship.
Flight following also provides weather avoidance benefits that can be crucial during changing meteorological conditions. Controllers with access to radar displays can identify precipitation intensity and movement patterns, advising pilots of developing situations that may not be visible from the cockpit perspective. This additional information layer helps pilots make more informed decisions about route modifications or altitude adjustments.
The service offers particular value during cross-country operations where pilots traverse unfamiliar territory, multiple airspace classifications, and changing weather environments. Having continuous ATC contact throughout these journeys provides an additional safety buffer and information resource that complements the pilot’s own planning and decision-making processes.
Ultimately, VFR flight following represents a foundational safety service within the national airspace system, enhancing the overall safety record of general aviation while imposing minimal additional requirements on participating pilots. Its voluntary nature allows flexible implementation based on aircraft equipment, pilot preference, and controller workload capacity.
How to Access and Utilize Flight Following
Equipment Requirements
To utilize flight following, aircraft must be equipped with a functioning two-way radio for communication and an operational transponder for radar identification. Depending on the specific airspace environment, Mode C altitude reporting capability or ADS-B Out compliance may be required. Pilots should ensure all equipment is functioning properly before requesting the service.
Requesting Procedures from Air Traffic Control
Pilots may request flight following through several channels depending on their flight phase. Those departing controlled airports can coordinate with ground control or clearance delivery prior to takeoff. Airborne pilots typically contact the appropriate Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) or Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) on published frequencies. Using proper phraseology such as making a VFR request with specific information like “Request VFR flight following to [destination]” facilitates efficient processing of these requests.
Information Exchange
When establishing flight following, pilots should be prepared to provide aircraft identification, type, departure and destination points, route of flight, and requested altitude. Controllers will assign a discrete transponder code and provide specific communication instructions. Throughout the service, pilots must promptly acknowledge communications and comply with any frequency change instructions to maintain continuity.
Canceling Flight Following
Canceling flight following is a straightforward process. If a pilot no longer requires flight following, they can simply inform ATC of their intention to cancel. This can be done at any time during the flight, and ATC will acknowledge the cancellation. It is essential to remember that canceling flight following does not relieve the pilot of their responsibility to maintain situational awareness and follow Visual Flight Rules (VFR). Pilots should always be prepared to take control of their flight and make decisions based on their own judgment.
Best Practices for VFR Flight Following
To get the most out of VFR flight following, pilots should follow best practices. Here are some tips:
Request flight following early: Requesting flight following early in the flight can help ATC to provide more effective assistance.
Provide applicable flight plan information: Providing ATC with applicable flight plan information, such as destination airport and requested altitude, can help them to provide more accurate assistance.
Maintain situational awareness: Pilots should always maintain situational awareness and be prepared to take control of their flight at any time.
Use standard phraseology: Using standard phraseology when communicating with ATC can help to ensure clear and effective communication.
Be prepared to respond to traffic advisories: Pilots should always be prepared to respond to traffic advisories and take necessary action to avoid other aircraft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using VFR flight following, there are several common mistakes to avoid. Here are some of the most common mistakes:
Not requesting flight following: Not requesting flight following can limit the assistance that ATC can provide.
Not providing applicable flight plan information: Not providing ATC with applicable flight plan information can limit the effectiveness of their assistance.
Not maintaining situational awareness: Not maintaining situational awareness can lead to a loss of control of the flight.
Not using standard phraseology: Not using standard phraseology can lead to confusion and miscommunication with ATC.
Not responding to traffic advisories: Not responding to traffic advisories can lead to a loss of situational awareness and increase the risk of collision with other aircraft.
By following best practices and avoiding common mistakes, pilots can get the most out of VFR flight following and enhance their safety and situational awareness.
Conclusion
VFR flight following represents an indispensable component of the aviation safety system, providing critical traffic information, weather updates, and emergency support to pilots operating under Visual Flight Rules. From enhancing situational awareness to offering immediate assistance during emergencies, flight following services significantly improve operational safety while maintaining the flexibility and autonomy that VFR pilots value. Whether navigating busy terminal environments or conducting extended cross-country flights, effective use of flight following constitutes an essential skill for conscientious pilots committed to maximizing safety during every phase of flight.
