All posts tagged Communications

When to Declare Minimum Fuel

The Pilot / Controller Glossary in the AIM defines minimum fuel as an indication that an aircraft’s fuel supply has reached a state where, upon reaching the destination, it can accept little or no delay. It is important to keep in mind that a minimum fuel advisory is not an emergency; it is only an advisory that an emergency situation is possible should any undue delay occur. But when should you declare minimum fuel? Read more…

Ten Simple Tips for Dealing With ATC

Contrary to popular belief, air traffic controllers do not have hooves and pitchforks. Nothing befumbles private pilots more than communicating with air traffic control. Many of us simply don’t fly ‘in the system’ often enough to be comfortable with the lingo, while others have a genuine fear of messing up a radio call. Read on for a few simple tips to help you in your communication with ATC. Read more…

Flight Following Rules

Last week’s post about VFR flight followings raised a few questions. This week, lets take a look at the rules surrounding participation in a flight following.

The rules of flight followings are actually quite simple to obey. So long as you keep your head out the window and keep ATC advised of what you are doing you will be set. Read more…

How to Submit PIREPs

We’ve all been there. The weather is marginal and you are faced with the infamous go/no-go decision. Many questions go through your mind. How accurate are those forecasts? Has the weather already begun to improve, or is it getting worse. Can I climb above that cloud layer? These and many more can be answered by a PIREP. In this article, you will see how easy it is to submit your own PIREP. Read more…