What is VFR Flight Following?
VFR flight following has gotten complicated with all the new technology and airspace changes flying around. As someone who’s used this service on hundreds of cross-country flights, I learned everything there is to know about how it works and when to use it. Today, I will share it all with you.
Quick refresher — VFR stands for Visual Flight Rules, which means you’re navigating by looking outside and using visual references. Flight following is an advisory service from ATC where they keep an eye on you via radar, call out nearby traffic, give weather updates, and generally help you stay safe. You don’t have to use it as a VFR pilot, but honestly, there’s no good reason not to.
How to Request VFR Flight Following
Once you’re airborne, just call up the nearest ATC facility on the radio — usually a TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) or an ARTCC (Air Route Traffic Control Center). Give them your tail number, altitude, and position. That’s really all there is to it. Most of the time they’ll pick you up right away.
What to Expect from ATC
After they accept your request, you’ll get a transponder code to squawk. This lets ATC track you on their radar screens. From that point on, you’ll hear traffic callouts throughout your flight — things like “traffic, 2 o’clock, 3 miles, opposite direction, altitude indicates 4,500.” They’ll also pass along anything safety-related they think you need to know.
Benefits of VFR Flight Following
- Improved Traffic Awareness: You get alerts about nearby aircraft you might not see.
- Enhanced Safety: ATC can help you out if something goes wrong mid-flight.
- Weather Information: Real-time updates on conditions ahead of you.
- Routing Assistance: They’ll steer you clear of restricted or congested airspace.
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The benefits are huge. That said, flight following doesn’t mean you can stop looking outside. You’re still the one responsible for see-and-avoid. The pilot-in-command always has final responsibility for the safe operation of the flight.
Limitations and Considerations
Here’s where it gets real. In busy airspace, ATC might not be able to take you on. They can also drop you from the service if they need to focus on IFR traffic. It’s happened to me more than once — you’re cruising along, and then you hear “radar service terminated, squawk VFR.” Don’t take it personally. It just means they’ve got higher-priority traffic to deal with.
Understanding the Technology
That’s what makes modern radar systems endearing to us pilot types — they’re remarkably capable. Secondary Surveillance Radar interrogates your transponder, which shoots back your squawk code and altitude. ATC uses that data to identify and track you. It’s straightforward tech, but it works incredibly well.
Practical Tips for Pilots
- Stay sharp on your radio calls. Sloppy comms waste everyone’s time.
- Always have a backup nav plan in case flight following isn’t available.
- Keep monitoring the assigned frequency — don’t wander off to CTAF and forget.
- Check your transponder before departure. A dead transponder means no flight following.
One more tip from experience: learn the common ATC frequencies for your area. Having those memorized (or on your kneeboard) makes getting picked up way faster.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of newer pilots think flight following is basically the same as flying IFR. It’s not. You’re not getting route clearances or guaranteed separation from other aircraft. You’re still VFR, still responsible for your own navigation and see-and-avoid. ATC is just an extra set of eyes helping you out.
Another misconception I hear all the time: “I don’t need flight following because I’m flying in uncontrolled airspace.” That’s actually when you might benefit from it the most. Out in the middle of nowhere, there’s less radar coverage, fewer eyes watching — any information ATC can give you is valuable.
Case Studies and Real-life Examples
Picture yourself flying VFR through the LA Basin. That’s some of the busiest airspace in the country, with everything from 737s on approach to helicopters buzzing the freeways. Flight following in that environment isn’t just helpful — it’s practically a survival tool. ATC knows where everyone is, and they’ll keep you out of trouble.
Or think about this scenario: you’re on a cross-country and the weather starts deteriorating faster than the forecast suggested. You call up ATC on flight following, and they give you real-time updates on where the worst of it is. That kind of information can mean the difference between a safe diversion and a really bad day.
Advanced Features and Future Developments
ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) has been a game-changer for flight following. It gives ATC much more precise position data than traditional radar, which means better service for us. If your aircraft has ADS-B Out (and it should — it’s been required since 2020 in most controlled airspace), you’re already benefiting from this.
Looking ahead, expect flight following to evolve as drones and urban air mobility vehicles enter the airspace. More traffic means more need for separation services, and VFR flight following will likely expand to handle it all.
Common Questions Answered
Is VFR flight following free?
Yep. The FAA provides it at no charge. It’s funded by your tax dollars, so you might as well use it.
Do I need special equipment for VFR flight following?
You need a working transponder and a radio — that’s it. ADS-B Out equipment helps but isn’t strictly required for the service itself.
Can I use VFR flight following for my entire flight?
You can try, but ATC may drop you if things get busy. Always be prepared to fly without it. Don’t let flight following become a crutch.
How does VFR flight following interact with Controlled Airspace?
Flight following can help you transition through controlled airspace, but don’t assume it replaces the requirement for clearances. Entering Class B, C, or D still requires specific ATC permission whether you’re on flight following or not.
