When picking up flight following in the air, I wait until comms are clear and begin with “(Center Name), (Aircraft Tail Number) VFR request.” Most of the time ATC will know you’re trying to get flight following, and will immediately give you a transponder code and ask for destination, altitude, and aircraft type.
I love these last two videos because there is no predicting what you're going to get when you key up the radio. I've been a student and flight instructor for nearly 3 years in the same area and I still get surprises from controllers. I've learned to tell my students what elements to look for in the radio calls because straight up scripting it doesn't work. Yet, I had one former student who bought a plane and flew across several states to bring it home tell me that ATC is just people. It is definitely worth learning how to be effective on the radio but at the end of the day, we're all just people helping each other out.
Many lower time pilots are hesitant to ask for flight following seemingly because they think they are bothering ATC. I fly around the very busy DFW airspace. ATC here wholeheartedly encourages VFR pilots to pick up flight following. It actually makes their job easier and everyone safer. Don't hesitate to ask, even for short trips in very busy airspace. If they give it to you keep your ears on. They don't like having to call you more than once. If they can't handle you, they'll let you know.
Very interesting video. I used to be a Controller until being let go by uncle Reagan in 81. Looks like the Instrumentation, in your Cessna has changed a bunch in last 40 years. And the controllers appear to be just as over loaded on nice days, as they were in the past!! I like listening to you on Ken Heron’s show. I wish I had an instructor like you when I took my private pilot training. Keep up the good work.
Learned something on this video! I didn't know why you checked in with ALT and HDG then said "assigned". After quick research, I realized that "assigned" is the verbiage you use to highlight you were told by ATC to fly ALT/HDG vs. VFR at your discretion. So what is the cliffhanger resolution? How far into the Gulf did you fly 290 before being cleared direct? 🙂
I love that your videos show the environment as you encounter it and you don't edit out when things don't go as planned. As for Hawaiian pizza, pineapples are to pizza what "Flare" is to landing. They don't go together......hahaha
Re: 2:16 I don't know how long ago you filmed this, but I just pulled up ForeFlight and it says Fort Myers approach is on 124.125 for your position (5 nm north of KAPF). Haha.
Always useful videos thanks! Here’s a question. You’ve picked up flight following, but you don’t necessarily want to go direct or at same altitude to your destination.how do you interact with ATC to make changes to route, heading and altitude
Really great video but I gotta tease Jason a little … I don’t see at all how this is “like ordering pizza.” Hardly think anyone learning to fly is making phone calls to order pizza. Anachronistic analogy. Still love the video though.
that was interesting because it really shows all the nuances off that communication in real life With no editing ... it is not Like 2+2=4... it can be, ..(10-8) x 7-( 10 )
When picking up flight following in the air, I wait until comms are clear and begin with “(Center Name), (Aircraft Tail Number) VFR request.” Most of the time ATC will know you’re trying to get flight following, and will immediately give you a transponder code and ask for destination, altitude, and aircraft type.
I love these last two videos because there is no predicting what you're going to get when you key up the radio. I've been a student and flight instructor for nearly 3 years in the same area and I still get surprises from controllers. I've learned to tell my students what elements to look for in the radio calls because straight up scripting it doesn't work. Yet, I had one former student who bought a plane and flew across several states to bring it home tell me that ATC is just people. It is definitely worth learning how to be effective on the radio but at the end of the day, we're all just people helping each other out.
Keep,up the great work in these episodes. I fumble a few times when getting advisories. This helps as a refresher.
Many lower time pilots are hesitant to ask for flight following seemingly because they think they are bothering ATC. I fly around the very busy DFW airspace. ATC here wholeheartedly encourages VFR pilots to pick up flight following. It actually makes their job easier and everyone safer. Don't hesitate to ask, even for short trips in very busy airspace. If they give it to you keep your ears on. They don't like having to call you more than once. If they can't handle you, they'll let you know.
Very interesting video. I used to be a Controller until being let go by uncle Reagan in 81. Looks like the Instrumentation, in your Cessna has changed a bunch in last 40 years. And the controllers appear to be just as over loaded on nice days, as they were in the past!!
I like listening to you on Ken Heron’s show. I wish I had an instructor like you when I took my private pilot training. Keep up the good work.
Learned something on this video! I didn't know why you checked in with ALT and HDG then said "assigned". After quick research, I realized that "assigned" is the verbiage you use to highlight you were told by ATC to fly ALT/HDG vs. VFR at your discretion.
So what is the cliffhanger resolution? How far into the Gulf did you fly 290 before being cleared direct? 🙂
Much farther then I wanted too hahaha
Flight following is a must here in the NYC tri state area. As busy as this video and they keep you away from commercial.
I love that your videos show the environment as you encounter it and you don't edit out when things don't go as planned. As for Hawaiian pizza, pineapples are to pizza what "Flare" is to landing. They don't go together......hahaha
Love the videos, Jason. Can you do one on being “cleared for the option” while in the traffic pattern?
Letting ATC know the "assigned" was a very helpful tip!
Love your content, seen 23mz at the Naples airport twice, I train out of Naples, it’s always cool seeing you fly in and out of there
Re: 2:16 I don't know how long ago you filmed this, but I just pulled up ForeFlight and it says Fort Myers approach is on 124.125 for your position (5 nm north of KAPF). Haha.
Always useful videos thanks! Here’s a question. You’ve picked up flight following, but you don’t necessarily want to go direct or at same altitude to your destination.how do you interact with ATC to make changes to route, heading and altitude
Wow... this seems sort of overwhelming 😮
Talk about VFR flight following work load!!
Good to practice
Thanks Jason
Really great video but I gotta tease Jason a little … I don’t see at all how this is “like ordering pizza.” Hardly think anyone learning to fly is making phone calls to order pizza. Anachronistic analogy. Still love the video though.
Did they come back with a new heading or you need to contact them and remind them?
Awesome videos always. Gotta love ATC giving you the unexpected 🤣
😂 a normal day talking to 3 different “pizza places” to get a pizza within 2 minute time 😅 ah, and they tried to shoot you to the ocean too! ❤
Is it easier to just request the VFR flight following from the ground before you takeoff?
I prefer to request it on the ground whenever I can but you can't always get it. You have to know how to do both.
How far are you going to go offshore before calling approach for a heading change back to dry land ???
@williambeatty7781 - For me, no farther than power-off gliding distance from terra firma :-) I can't swim so I avoid bodies of water like the plague.
Thank you , great video !
that was interesting because it really shows all the nuances off that communication in real life With no editing ... it is not Like 2+2=4... it can be, ..(10-8) x 7-( 10 )
It never goes the way I plan it out in my head either...
My every day flying up here in the North East!
If you ask ATC nicely for something sensible chances are you'll get it.
It's like ordering pizza when the pizzeria doesn't have to make your pizza...and who wears long sleeve shirts with shorts? What's that all about?
Pineapple on pizza is love.