IFR: whom do you talk to?
Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 11:05 am
I'm in process of obtaining an IFR rating, and am fairly confused by the ATC procedues. I understand that an IFR aircraft must obtain ATC clearance before entering any controlled airspace, and I guess should remain in contact with ATC while in the airspace, but in some cases I don't understand where to look for appropriate ATC frequency.
Example 1: suppose I take off on an IFR flight plan from my buddy's grass strip, which is totally Class G. I do that without talking to anyone (other than the FIC guy on the phone with whom I filed a flight plan, that is). My plan is to intercept a Victor airway. But as far as I can see, there is no frequency associated with a Victor airway on charts and publications I'm familiar with (VNC, VTA, LO Charts, CFS). I see some PAL frequencies scattered around LO charts, but there don't seem to be any clear boundaries for them. Whom do I call?
Example 2: There are many uncontrolled aerodromes with control zone (Class E) around them, with something-or-other radio providing air traffic services. However, to my understanding they are not considered ATC (since they can't actually issue instructions and clearances). So whom do I contact to enter that airspace?
Example 3: I get a powerful little plane that can go above 12,500' ASL, and decide to venture into Class B. Frequency?..
A second question I have is concerning collision avoidance while IFR. How can an IFR pilot ensure collision avoidance in IMC in Class G??? What about Class E, if the weather is marginal, and there is a possibility that unannounced VFR traffic might be in the area?
Thanks in advance for any help. Excuse the naivete of my questions; even as far as VFR ATS procedures go, I'm not as great at know what they are exactly because the rules and guidelines seem to be so vague in many cases (e.g., what exactly is the definition of flight following and who is required to provide it, if anyone; and why I'm talking to terminal sometimes during flight following even though I'm below their airspace and have no intention of going higher; and who exactly are the people on a new frequency that's not on any charts or publications; and what's the difference between Centre and Terminal; and why do I at times get told "radar service terminated" and no further instructions on whom to contact, when all of Southern Ontario has radar coverage; and what's with all the RCOs, DRCOs, FISEs, FICs and FSSs?.....)
Example 1: suppose I take off on an IFR flight plan from my buddy's grass strip, which is totally Class G. I do that without talking to anyone (other than the FIC guy on the phone with whom I filed a flight plan, that is). My plan is to intercept a Victor airway. But as far as I can see, there is no frequency associated with a Victor airway on charts and publications I'm familiar with (VNC, VTA, LO Charts, CFS). I see some PAL frequencies scattered around LO charts, but there don't seem to be any clear boundaries for them. Whom do I call?
Example 2: There are many uncontrolled aerodromes with control zone (Class E) around them, with something-or-other radio providing air traffic services. However, to my understanding they are not considered ATC (since they can't actually issue instructions and clearances). So whom do I contact to enter that airspace?
Example 3: I get a powerful little plane that can go above 12,500' ASL, and decide to venture into Class B. Frequency?..
A second question I have is concerning collision avoidance while IFR. How can an IFR pilot ensure collision avoidance in IMC in Class G??? What about Class E, if the weather is marginal, and there is a possibility that unannounced VFR traffic might be in the area?
Thanks in advance for any help. Excuse the naivete of my questions; even as far as VFR ATS procedures go, I'm not as great at know what they are exactly because the rules and guidelines seem to be so vague in many cases (e.g., what exactly is the definition of flight following and who is required to provide it, if anyone; and why I'm talking to terminal sometimes during flight following even though I'm below their airspace and have no intention of going higher; and who exactly are the people on a new frequency that's not on any charts or publications; and what's the difference between Centre and Terminal; and why do I at times get told "radar service terminated" and no further instructions on whom to contact, when all of Southern Ontario has radar coverage; and what's with all the RCOs, DRCOs, FISEs, FICs and FSSs?.....)