Ask ATC: Bothering ATC

Air traffic control specialist Sarah Patten debunks the notion that talking to flights squawking 1200 is an inconvenience for ATC.

Ask ATC is produced in partnership with NATCA and the FAA. #shorts

[FlightFollowing]

Pilot: How old are you?
ATC: I dunno somewhere between 30 and 75.
Pilot: What? Send a pic.

[jlshoem]

I talk to these particular people on the radio a lot. Its nice to actually see them and hear their experience and suggestions. Every time I hear Sarah's voice I know I'm in good hands. 🙂

[dsj]

Thanks for this! My students generally are shy about getting involved in ATC; useful to be able to confirm to them that ATC wants to be talking to them.

Just to shift gears, the one thing I would ask of ATC, particularly center, is to use "Centurion" or at least "Cessna" rather than "November" -- it leads to signficantly less mental fatigue for us. :)

[HerbertHerbGlum]

I often will check in with ATC when flying near the Bravo airspace, or flying a VFR corridor (e.g. south of SFO) through the airspace. I know it isn't required, and I know that ATC is busy and if they want to do an "aircraft calling" response that's fine. If something happens and they subsequently want to do an aircraft westbound in the VFR corridor call to ask me to deviate or advise of some problem, I'm glad that they know I'm listening.

[N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

Hey, as an ATC, let me just say I'd rather know that you're there and not have it affect me than not know you're there and suddenly it turns into a huge problem. Definitely call up. If you get a shitty controller, that's the controller's problem, not yours. It's always better that we know what we're dealing with.

[airrick]

I'm ignored more than answered. I ask again. I'm not even rejected, I just get no response. I wish more controllers were like her.

[humanbeing]

Why are there only a measly three videos featuring Sarah Patten?!? She is hands-down the smartest, most competent air traffic control specialist working today.

[Flying_Snakes]

Of all the controllers I have ever dealt with, only one was a prick (won't say the airport, but in west phoenix). He was using local jargon for a reporting point and its my first time under class B around PHX, I don't see it on the map or GPS, so I say "unfamiliar" and ask for vectors to it, he says "NO" condescendingly, I say "OK unable then and I'm flying direct to the airport (since he was class D and talking to me, I'm already cleared in, F.U.). Then he straightened up and gave me a straight-in to the active without any further B.S. I jokingly made a comment about the cranky controller to ground who said, "Yeah, he's like that a lot, lol.

[efox]

The only time ATC couldn't talk to me was right after the 2017 eclipse. Approach was inundated with VFR traffic. I was amazed by their ability and professionalism even as they reached saturation.

[matt_waddy]

I guess call regardless and if you get ignored or a rude controller at least it's on the tapes that you tried if crap hits the fan later.

[douggrant]

So, when I started flying into FCM, one of the outlying airports in the Minneapolis area, I called a local instructor and was told that MSP Central does not want to be bothered by VFR flying under the class B. I fly with ADS/B in and out and have never contacted, nor been asked to contact MSP Central.

[frankwgregoryiii]

False. I fly near Philadelphia all the time and they ignore me 90% of the time

[anthonydowling]

Charlotte Class B actual response. “I don’t care what you do stay clear of Class B we are landing jets here”

[terrydwelander]

Depends on when and where. Having flown out of Reno, NV, in the distant past regularly, it was enjoyable. MSP alternate airports are a pain the ass on VFR; or last choice; MSP area weather is always a consideration. Oshkosh during air venture, somewhere in between, even though incredibly busy; 5 different years over the last 40 years. 5 flights into air venture is enough. Not again. Driving to get into Airventure can be a pain during peak hours. Show up during off hours to avoid sitting in backed up traffic. Peak hours at air venture: 2 hours before the 1PM airshow and 2 hours after the airshow completion at 4PM? 5 or 6PM depending on the year? Check for airshow flight times in advance before showing up; if driving; to avoid traffic backups.

[SkylaneGuy]

Used to call up for flight following all the time. More and more, though they just vector you all over the place. Whatever gets you out of their way. It used to be worth it for the traffic advisories, but now with ADS-B, I can see everything they can. Now I avoid it unless I have to penetrate B, C or D airspace. Not worth the hassle.

[monsenrm]

That sounds fine but how do I make the call? I fly regularly south of Midway airport in Chicago. I avoid the class C but am happy to call. However I have no intention of flying into the airspace so what am I supposed to say? “Midway approach Cessna 1234 VFR 10 East at 2500 and passing south of your airspace? Sounds weird and confusing.

[invertedflatspin]

I don't necessarily agree with this young lady's comments. I was flying from KDAN - KOFP a few days ago, contacted Washington Center and asked for a request for flight following. The response that I got was "stand by" and nothing else followed. So, I went VFR all the way back, just listening to ATC and exercised traffic avoidance to my destination. By the way, the young lady's voice sounded similar to this young lady. It just felt to me that ATC didn't want to be bothered with VFR traffic participating in the NAS that particular day.

[greenefieldmann]

How does ATC punish VFR pilots that annoy them?

[sacpilot]

Well... according to the AIM, it's on a workload permitting basis, so, according to the FAA there are forseeable times when ATC absolutely will not want to talk to you. And, as VFR flights underflying the shelf of class B airspace make up a tiny portion of all VFR flying, this is not a particularly relevant example for your average private pilot.

[cup_and_cone]

Her face says I'm 35, but her hair says I'm 65.