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 provided suggestions for improving VFR flight following communication, including specific phraseology during handoffs and addressing loss of radio contact.
Readers offered diverse opinions and advice regarding circular pattern approaches, emphasizing power-off techniques for engine failure preparedness and considering visibility challenges for high-wing aircraft.
A critique of the cover photo highlighted the importance of thorough pre-flight checks (e.g., gas cap orientation) and proper safety equipment (e.g., shoulder harness).
One contributor advocated for simplifying complex aviation concepts into practical aphorisms for immediate pilot application rather than extensive theoretical dissertations.

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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!