What does one need to know in order to be an effective flight follower? Specific and general knowledge items would be helpful.
Thanks!
Flight Following - Need to know
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Flight Following - Need to know
The Theory of Flight - Because even after 100 years, we're still not sure it works!
Re: Flight Following - Need to know
This is right from our company ops manual for a Type D system
Flight Watch and Flight Following
Flight Following for a Type D system is the monitoring of a flight's progress, the provision of such operational information as may be required by that flight and the notification of appropriate air operator and search-and-rescue authorities if the flight is overdue or missing.
The pilot-in-command is solely responsible for Flight Watch but shall be supported by an air operator provided Flight Following System for all IFR or VFR at night flights containing the following elements:
(a) a flight follower qualified and knowledgeable in the air operator's flight alerting procedures, on duty and able to respond to requests by the pilot-in-command for information related to the flight. Such information shall include meteorological information without analysis or interpretation;
(b) the progress of each flight from its commencement to its termination, including any intermediate stops, shall be monitored, which may be done by the same person as in subparagraph (i) above; and
(c) the pilot-in-command shall be responsible for passing messages concerning aeroplane landings and departures from point of origin, enroute stops, and final destination to the person described in subparagraph (i) above. A primary and secondary phone number for message traffic will be provided to the pilot prior to departure.
Flight Watch and Flight Following
Flight Following for a Type D system is the monitoring of a flight's progress, the provision of such operational information as may be required by that flight and the notification of appropriate air operator and search-and-rescue authorities if the flight is overdue or missing.
The pilot-in-command is solely responsible for Flight Watch but shall be supported by an air operator provided Flight Following System for all IFR or VFR at night flights containing the following elements:
(a) a flight follower qualified and knowledgeable in the air operator's flight alerting procedures, on duty and able to respond to requests by the pilot-in-command for information related to the flight. Such information shall include meteorological information without analysis or interpretation;
(b) the progress of each flight from its commencement to its termination, including any intermediate stops, shall be monitored, which may be done by the same person as in subparagraph (i) above; and
(c) the pilot-in-command shall be responsible for passing messages concerning aeroplane landings and departures from point of origin, enroute stops, and final destination to the person described in subparagraph (i) above. A primary and secondary phone number for message traffic will be provided to the pilot prior to departure.
Re: Flight Following - Need to know
You also have to maintain radar contact. It's a bit tricky when you fly through mountaneous areas.
