Enroute

Frequency Transfers

After being instructed to contact an adjacent ATC unit, you must report your assigned level and assigned heading (if on a vector).

Example

"Melbourne Centre, QFA773, climbing to F280"

Tip

A common mistake made by new pilots is to report their position, squawk code, or passing level. These items are not required unless specifically requested and can lead to unnecessary frequency congestion.

If in doubt, leave it out!

STAR Clearance

When issued a STAR clearance, you must read it back in its entirety, including any assigned runway and level instruction.

Example

BLA: "JST440, cleared LIZZI9A arrival, runway 16, maintain F380"
JST440: "Cleared LIZZI9A arrival, runway 16, maintain F380, JST440"

If you require a particular runway or approach, you should inform ATC before you receive your STAR clearance. The more notice, the better.

Tracking Requests

Route Deviation

In controlled airspace, you must obtain approval to deviate from your cleared route. For weather deviations, positioning the aircraft for the capture region of an instrument approach, or any other route deviation, request an appropriate distance left or right of route.

Format

"Callsign, request Distance miles Left/Right of route due Reason"

Example

RXA6166: "RXA6166, request 10 miles left of route due weather"
GUN: "RXA6166, cleared up to 10 miles left of route, report clear of weather"
RXA6166: "Cleared up to 10 miles left of route, RXA6166"

Note

In busy airspace (such as the terminal area), ATC may request that you fly a specific heading rather than a block route offset. In these situations, pilots must request any additional heading changes as deemed necessary and report when the vector is no longer required.

Change of Level

Short, straight-forward requests like a change of level do not require a heads up to the controller.

Example

JST12: "JST12, request climb to F400"
KEN: "JST12, climb to F400"
JST12: "Climb to F400, JST12"

Amended Route

It is good practice to preface complicated or time consuming requests with some warning, so the controller can prepare themselves.

Example

VOZ850: "VOZ850, request"
ARL: "VOZ850"
VOZ850: "VOZ850, request amended tracking via CFS, BNA, CG, thence YBBN, due operational requirement"
ARL: "VOZ850, recleared direct CFS, thence BNA, CG, YBBN, maintain F370"
VOZ850: "Recleared direct CFS, thence BNA, CG, YBBN, maintain F370, VOZ850"