What is Flight Following?
Flight following is an air traffic service that provides pilots with continuous radar monitoring, traffic advisories, and situational awareness during their flight. It is mainly used by VFR (Visual Flight Rules) pilots who do not receive mandatory ATC separation like IFR flights do.
How Does Flight Following Work?
1. Pilot Requests the Service
Pilots contact the nearest ATC facility (usually Approach/Departure or Center) and request flight following by providing:
✈️ Aircraft identification
🧭 Position and altitude
🗺️ Destination and route
2. ATC Assigns a Discrete Squawk Code
The controller gives the pilot a transponder code so the aircraft can be tracked on radar.
3. Traffic Advisories and Updates
ATC provides traffic alerts and can offer weather updates, restricted airspace warnings, and flight assistance.
However, VFR pilots remain responsible for terrain and obstacle clearance.
4. Service Ends Near Destination
When approaching the destination, pilots either cancel flight following or ATC terminates the service as radar coverage decreases.
Benefits of Flight Following
‼️Traffic awareness – Helps pilots avoid mid-air collisions in busy airspace.
🌦️Weather and airspace warnings – ATC may provide advisories about storms, temporary flight restrictions, or restricted zones.
🦺Emergency assistance – If needed, ATC can provide immediate support in case of an in-flight issue.
Does Flight Following Replace an IFR Clearance?
No, flight following is not IFR control. Pilots do not receive mandatory separation from other traffic, terrain, or weather. It is an advisory service that increases situational awareness but does not relieve the pilot of navigation responsibilities.
Flight following is an invaluable tool for VFR pilots, providing real-time radar tracking, traffic updates, and additional safety support. While not mandatory, using flight following is highly recommended, especially in busy or unfamiliar airspace. A simple request to ATC can greatly enhance safety and awareness during a flight.