Hi,

General question on tower initial callout for a VFR inbound.

Should the information transmitted to ATC be abreviated on initial contact if already radar followed by center?

Example:
Not followed: (tower) (type/ call sign) (atis info) (position) (intentions)

Followed: (tower) (type / call sign) (atis info) (intentions)

If already followed, position report seems redundant no?

Also, should you switch to tower frequency when advised by center or advise center you are switching ?


Thanks,

In either case, I would make the same initial call. If you picked up flight following, you will be tagged up on the tower's radar but the center does not normally point out VFRs when they switch them to tower. If it's a good VFR day there could be many targets out there and the tower controller may not see you when initially scanning the radar, which could lead to them assigning you a new code unnecessarily.

Wait for the center to switch you to tower, but if you are getting close to the zone (within say 10 miles of the airport) without having been switched, ask if they want you over to tower.

The above is advisory only, based on my experience as a tower controller.

As long as you keep it brief nobody will complain.

"Victoria Tower, GWHG East Point 3000"
"Renton Tower, C-GWHG Bellevue 2000 landing with Sierra"

If you think you should be on a different frequency, ask.

...laura

Thanks, its clearer now.