Flight Tracking for VFR Flights Simplified: Guidance for Non-User airspace navigation during Visual Flight Rules flights
In the realm of aviation, safety and situational awareness are paramount. One tool that can help enhance these aspects is VFR (Visual Flight Rules) flight following, a service provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC) when requested.
VFR flight following is not a formal procedure under VFR, but engaging in it can significantly improve safety and situational awareness for pilots. Here's how:
1. **Communication and Alerts**
- **VFR Traffic Advisories**: Pilots can request VFR traffic advisories from ATC, which provides information about nearby traffic, enhancing situational awareness and helping to avoid potential collisions. - **CTAFs in Uncontrolled Airspace**: In uncontrolled airspace, pilots use Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAFs) to communicate with other aircraft and maintain awareness of nearby traffic.
2. **Situational Awareness**
- **Visual Scanning**: Pilots must maintain constant visual vigilance to detect other aircraft, terrain, and weather conditions. - **Use of Navigation Aids**: Pilots can use navigation aids like GPS and maps to stay aware of their position and surroundings, further enhancing situational awareness.
3. **Proactive Measures**
- **Weather Monitoring**: VFR pilots must be alert to weather conditions and plan accordingly to avoid flying in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), which can significantly reduce visibility and safety. - **Preparation for Unexpected Situations**: Being prepared for unexpected changes in weather or traffic allows pilots to react promptly and safely.
While VFR flight following per se is not a formal procedure, engaging in these practices helps pilots navigate safely and effectively, even in environments without ATC oversight.
When using flight following, pilots should have the required equipment, including a radio and transponder, and should provide their call sign, destination, and requested altitude. ATC can issue safety alerts to pilots about aircraft in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions, or other aircraft.
In busy airspace, pilots should check in with ATC and just say "with request" to minimise interruptions. Controllers have the discretion to provide or continue to provide flight following, with factors like radar limitations, traffic volume, controller workload, and frequency congestion potentially preventing the service.
Flight following provides traffic advisories and supplemental information. Limited radar vectors are a part of VFR radar advisory service, and vectors away from conflicting traffic are only provided upon request by the pilot.
To request flight following, pilots can contact ATC on the ground or in the air, depending on the location and airspace. Flight following is a workload-permitting service provided by ATC.
In an in-flight emergency, flight following can be a valuable asset, as ATC can vector pilots to the nearest airport and clear as much traffic as possible.
In conclusion, VFR flight following, while not a formal procedure, is an excellent enhancement to safety for pilots. By requesting this service, pilots can enjoy enhanced safety and situational awareness, making their flights more secure and enjoyable.
Engaging in VFR flight following can provide pilots with valuable traffic advisories, especially in busy aviation sectors, decreasing the likelihood of collisions. By communicating with Air Traffic Control (ATC) and maintaining regular contact through Common Traffic Advisory Frequencies (CTAFs), pilots can proactively monitor the finance sector, including traffic and weather conditions, thus fostering safety and efficiency in the transportation industry.
