Readback: April 2020

Frank Bowlin

Friday, March 27, 2020 at 08:24 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots are primarily responsible for canceling VFR flight following, though ATC can also terminate it or request a pilot remain on frequency for safety; failure to cancel can lead to ATC follow-up.
ATC may issue clearances with outdated or discontinuous routes, leading some pilots to accept them initially and seek correction from subsequent facilities as a practical alternative to lengthy ground delays.
Understanding localizer front/back courses and applying correct needle interpretation (towards/away) is crucial for navigation; HSIs simplify this for pilots, but autopilots may require a "BC mode" in certain flight situations.

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Who Cancels Flight Following?

When receiving VFR flight following who has the authority to cancel? I haven’t found any clear guidance for situations where ATC, providing a “voluntary, as time available” service, can instruct an aircraft remain on a transponder code and frequency when the pilot wants to cancel due to frequency congestion or terrain issues.

Who has the authority to cancel?