Flight Following

Thank you for addressing the issue of VFR flight following (Hacking VFR Flight Following, May 2017)! Your piece was good enough that I recognize I sometimes have gotten short shrift from ATC due to some communications ineptitude. An item you didnt address was the loss, and subsequent efforts to reestablish, radio contact en route. Another clarification could be wording with ground control at Class C airports to request advisories prior to departure.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots offered advice for improving VFR flight following communication, such as adding "VFR" to handoffs and clarifying requests at Class C airports.
The article featured a debate on "circular patterns," with one pilot suggesting modifications and advising against them for high-wing aircraft, while another strongly advocated for them as a critical skill for practicing power-off approaches and preparing for engine failures.
Readers emphasized fundamental aviation safety, including meticulous preflight inspections and the value of simplified, practical advice for pilots over complex theoretical explanations.

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Thank you for addressing the issue of VFR flight following (“Hacking VFR Flight Following,” May 2017)! Your piece was good enough that I recognize I sometimes have gotten short shrift from ATC due to some communications ineptitude. An item you didn’t address was the loss, and subsequent efforts to reestablish, radio contact en route. Another clarification could be wording with ground control at Class C airports to request advisories prior to departure.

I appreciate your help!