"Ask ATC" Blog
ATCreadback.com regularly blogs about relevant topics in air traffic control, Aviation English and flight safety. We will strive to respond to any questions and post the best online so that everyone can benefit. Topic suggestions can be sent to us here.
Get exclusive updates on Twitter!
Make ATC Work for You
Take a look at an airway chart. Whether it is a low or high-level chart, the complex hub and spoke airway system suggests a considerable amount of rigidity and inflexibility when flying within the confines of the IFR system. As well, preferred or suggested routes sometimes take aircraft well off what would be the optimum track to their destination.
As pilots gain experience however, they learn some of the secrets to making IFR flying more expeditious. The truth is air traffic control is meant to provide a service to pilot, not to place unnecessary restraints on their objectives. Here are some suggestions to make IFR flying more efficient:
1) Ask for wind reports from the controller while enroute. Other pilots can give "spot winds" at different locations which can confirm or contradict the forecast winds aloft. The aircraft itself is the best weather guage of all and nothing beats a good tailwind when it comes to reaching your destination faster.
2) Even if you were given an airway clearance from the ground controller, do not hesitate to ask for something more direct once airborne. It's important to know that it is usually the Centre, not the Tower that issues the IFR clearance, so it makes sense to ask for amendments to the clearance directly from the Centre controller, not the Tower.
3) If flying in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) in airspace where VFR is permitted, you may consider asking for an altitude change in accordance with VFR if your initial request is turned down due to traffic. Be sure acquire the pertinent traffic visually before making such a request.
4) If you are issued a hold clearance or have been vectored away from your desired track, request a speed reduction from the controller. As long as there is no traffic to follow you, this is usually approved and this can reduce fuel consumption as well as time in the hold.
5) Visual approaches are generally more expeditious than IFR approaches as the separation standards are more flexible. If you have your destination in sight as well as any traffic you will be instructed to follow, consider requesting a visual approach if you are comfortable maintaining your own separation from the traffic ahead.
Not all delays can be prevented, but with a good understanding of the ATC system, you will generally find yourself experiencing less time to destination and less frustration as well.