IFR like services during VFR flight

[digits_]

Ok this embarrassing, but it's been years since I have flown long distance VFR. The comfort of IFR flying gets addictive

Anyhow, I was wondering what service is available to VFR traffic that would most closely mimic IFR services:
- flight following, eg always talking to someone so a distress call can be transmitted quickly if needed
- some protection if you miss notams or restricted airspace becomes active
- traffic advisory
- coordinate with other airspace if crossing clearance is required (this sounds like an IFR only thingy?)
- is this simply VFR flight following?
- how to initiate the service after takeoff?

It's a fairly general question, but if needed I was wondering specifically for the western half of the country. Let's say Winnipeg to Vancouver, 6000 to 15000 ft cruising altitudes.

[ahramin]

Controlled VFR?

[khedrei]

All that you mentioned is normal flight following service.

Cruising altitudes are +500

Controlled VFR in class B is above 12500 or the MEA whichever is higher. And only if there is Class E below. You must have a clearance here so think of it like IFR just stay out of wx. ATC does separation.

Its only available in controlled airspace and generally only when you are in radar coverage. I have on very rare occasions had an ambitious controller with some extra time on their hands that hold onto me after losing me on radar to advise of IFR traffic to look out for. And I've heard other guys get hung onto when the controller knew they would get them back on radar at some point.

Just call up centre and request VFR flight following.

[Me262]

Hardest thing is to scramble and figure out the "switch to enroute frequency". Need to do homework for your route. IFR is so much more elegant. I'm in the same boat as you, I'd take IFR any day. Slightly funny when students/instructors/PPL are so scared of IFR when in fact it makes your life tons easier (and safer).

[digits_]

Hardest thing is to scramble and figure out the "switch to enroute frequency". Need to do homework for your route. IFR is so much more elegant. I'm in the same boat as you, I'd take IFR any day. Slightly funny when students/instructors/PPL are so scared of IFR when in fact it makes your life tons easier (and safer).

Doesn't ATC switch you to the next frequency when you're under flight following?

[khedrei]

Hardest thing is to scramble and figure out the "switch to enroute frequency". Need to do homework for your route. IFR is so much more elegant. I'm in the same boat as you, I'd take IFR any day. Slightly funny when students/instructors/PPL are so scared of IFR when in fact it makes your life tons easier (and safer).

Doesn't ATC switch you to the next frequency when you're under flight following?

They do if there is another controller to talk to. But if youre heading out of radar coverage they will just terminate you and tell you to swtch to en route. If you are going to an uncontrolled airport its generally 50/50 whether they give you that one.

[Me262]

Hardest thing is to scramble and figure out the "switch to enroute frequency". Need to do homework for your route. IFR is so much more elegant. I'm in the same boat as you, I'd take IFR any day. Slightly funny when students/instructors/PPL are so scared of IFR when in fact it makes your life tons easier (and safer).

Doesn't ATC switch you to the next frequency when you're under flight following?

They do if there is another controller to talk to. But if youre heading out of radar coverage they will just terminate you and tell you to swtch to en route. If you are going to an uncontrolled airport its generally 50/50 whether they give you that one.

Not radar coverage but class E. You have to fly quite high enough to be able to hop from controller to controller.