TedR3
Pre-takeoff checklist
I had my night x/c this weekend from Wings Field to Atlantic City. It was a great clear calm night for flying.
Went through the Philly Bravo both ways with great views of center city, the ballpark and PHL.
On the way back to Wings the same controller was on both departure and approach, so the frequency was busy even though it was almost midnight.
On the way back, I got some ATC calls that I wasn't sure of the proper response. So, I got the recording from the internet and listened again.
At one point - while at 3,500 and still in the bravo - we got:
"4LP, VFR descent for Wings Field is approved"
What's the proper response? "Roger" or a read back?
We were still about 10 miles from the field. Because it was not an instruction to descend to a specific altitude, I took it to mean that the descent was at my discretion. We were far enough out that we did not have the field in sight, so I maintained 3,500. Apparently, this was not what the controller wanted because within 30 seconds I got:
"4LP, you can continue your descent to Wings Field"
So, I went down to 2,500.
We then got a traffic call for a 737 descending right at us 12 o'clock, 9 miles. He was easy to see b/c of his landing lights. We advised we had him in sight. Then the controller cleared the 737 down to 3,000, and advised us:
"Skyhawk 4LP, maintain visual separation with the 737, he's going to turn his base leg once he's east of you."
What's the proper response here? I just advised that I had the traffic in sight.
Do I properly understand that this instruction means it is my responsibility to maneuver as required to stay clear of the 737? The 737 ended passing above us to our right, close enough to be interesting but not alarming.
Went through the Philly Bravo both ways with great views of center city, the ballpark and PHL.
On the way back to Wings the same controller was on both departure and approach, so the frequency was busy even though it was almost midnight.
On the way back, I got some ATC calls that I wasn't sure of the proper response. So, I got the recording from the internet and listened again.
At one point - while at 3,500 and still in the bravo - we got:
"4LP, VFR descent for Wings Field is approved"
What's the proper response? "Roger" or a read back?
We were still about 10 miles from the field. Because it was not an instruction to descend to a specific altitude, I took it to mean that the descent was at my discretion. We were far enough out that we did not have the field in sight, so I maintained 3,500. Apparently, this was not what the controller wanted because within 30 seconds I got:
"4LP, you can continue your descent to Wings Field"
So, I went down to 2,500.
We then got a traffic call for a 737 descending right at us 12 o'clock, 9 miles. He was easy to see b/c of his landing lights. We advised we had him in sight. Then the controller cleared the 737 down to 3,000, and advised us:
"Skyhawk 4LP, maintain visual separation with the 737, he's going to turn his base leg once he's east of you."
What's the proper response here? I just advised that I had the traffic in sight.
Do I properly understand that this instruction means it is my responsibility to maneuver as required to stay clear of the 737? The 737 ended passing above us to our right, close enough to be interesting but not alarming.