N3922B, I'm a student too, and I have exactly the same question. I am preparing for the knowledge exam and trying to sort out the when and how to use pilot services X/C.
I **have** read the training material looking for an answer to exactly this question and neither the FAA's Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge nor the Cessna Pilot Training course (delivered by John and Martha King), give a satisfactory answer.
Clearest statement is that if flying above 5,000 MSL, 122.0 is available to pilots.
I will ask my CFI to explain the difference between FlightWatch and Flight Service, and when and how to use each... but that is a little beside the point I would like to make...
You have internalized this part of aviating no doubt through education and X/C experience. You no longer have to stop and ask yourself about how to do the basic things or what services are available to pilots from the various parts of the ATC/FSS spectrum. But we student *do* have to work at it until it too becomes internalized.
SBarnettW asked a valid question and even though it may be the most basic aviation information to you, there is no reason to take an insulting and condescending tone in your post. He is in pursuit of the right answer to become a properly informed pilot. There are no dumb questions when a person is trying to educate him/herself.
So provide some help if you are so inclined, but please don't make a student pilot feel like an idiot for no good reason. We feel that way often enough as it is while we watch and listen to the experienced pilots do things so easily.
