Hi PoA,
On two recent flights, I had a general idea of what I wanted (e.g. a route, or maneuvering practice), and didn't communicate that well to ATC the first time. I'm wondering if anyone has tips.
Scenario 1. Flight from KPAO to KMRY. I planned to go down the valley (route for approximate purposes: KPAO SJC LICKE E16 KMRY, but asked for flight following to KMRY via SJC. While abeam and about 3nm West of SJC, Norcal gave me "right turn heading 160" going over the Santa Cruz mountains. So, what would have been a better way to ask (KPAO ground req for flight following) something like "route me down the valley towards San Martin" ?
Scenario 2. Flight from KPAO to practice area near KLVK (Lake Del Valle). Asked KPAO ground for flight following to KLVK area. Upon handoff, Norcal Approach asked me to call back with KLVK info-code [for landing]. I told them we'd be maneuvering & not landing, and they seemed happy with that.
So I guess my lesson learned is: Be very specific with ATC, and don't make ATC guess your intentions?
And my question is: How do you ask for non-exact things, like "flight following to some area for practice" or "route me somewhat near SJC, but I know you don't really want me right down the middle of the valley in the way of the jet traffic".?
On two recent flights, I had a general idea of what I wanted (e.g. a route, or maneuvering practice), and didn't communicate that well to ATC the first time. I'm wondering if anyone has tips.
Scenario 1. Flight from KPAO to KMRY. I planned to go down the valley (route for approximate purposes: KPAO SJC LICKE E16 KMRY, but asked for flight following to KMRY via SJC. While abeam and about 3nm West of SJC, Norcal gave me "right turn heading 160" going over the Santa Cruz mountains. So, what would have been a better way to ask (KPAO ground req for flight following) something like "route me down the valley towards San Martin" ?
Scenario 2. Flight from KPAO to practice area near KLVK (Lake Del Valle). Asked KPAO ground for flight following to KLVK area. Upon handoff, Norcal Approach asked me to call back with KLVK info-code [for landing]. I told them we'd be maneuvering & not landing, and they seemed happy with that.
So I guess my lesson learned is: Be very specific with ATC, and don't make ATC guess your intentions?
And my question is: How do you ask for non-exact things, like "flight following to some area for practice" or "route me somewhat near SJC, but I know you don't really want me right down the middle of the valley in the way of the jet traffic".?