Time limits on checking in with Center ?

[jimmyw]

Recently we were flying in a center's airspace. Given an altitude to climb to, say FL250. We repeated back the clearance then proceeded to climb to within a few hundred feet of this "assigned" altitude when all of a sudden we were told upon checking in with the next center controller to descend to FL240.We are hearing that we read back and were climbing to the right altitude ,however we are also hearing that we took too long to check in with the next center controller who wanted to issue a new lower altitude.
Is there anything in the controllers book or any regs or aim that addresses exactly within what time limit pilots are to check in with the next controller. In the east coast who amongst us has had to practically beg to be heard even after many minutes of being a repeat pest to center or approach control.

 

[Max Q]

So you were initially assigned an altitude and then the next controller reassigned you an altitude 1000 feet lower? Or was that just an example?

When I check in late, I usually get, "I don't remember if you checked in or not but good morning!".

-Brett

 

[blzr]

I've actually been switched to a controller that is so buisy I couldn't check in. In that case, I just wait till they ask if I'm here. Don't sweat it, if they need you, they can find you.

 

[svcta]

If he needed you there because he painted himself into a corner then he should have been calling for you if he hadn't heard from you. It's my understanding(I qualify this because I'm sure a controller will chime in soon) that you can't be handed off to another controller without them accepting the hand off or at least acknowledging that you're coming their way. So he knew that you were there and what you were told to do(most likely).

 

[LJ45]

who are you talking to

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

I always switch over, monitor the freq and continue my conversation with my fellow pilot......

If the center controller wants to talk to me s/he can call me... I am available...!

What's the rush!

 

[jimmyw]

altitude miscommunication

We were told that there was a potential threat at altitude.That we checked on after a couple of minutes from one center controller to the next that contributed to this potential threat (no TCAS Alert). I already filled out ASRS form. I guess I just contend that I'm told to climb to an altitude I do it then hear that ATC had a better plan and we might have checked on too late. Whats too late ?
I,m filing ASRS forms for doing exactly what we're told to do.

 

[BcPilot99]

I will just hit IDENT on the XPNDR

 

[Thedude]

I always switch over, monitor the freq

You def don't work for AA then.

 

[Kream926]

I will just hit IDENT on the XPNDR

what if he/she wanted someone else to IDENT 'round the same time you did?

 

[dickburns]

what if he/she wanted someone else to IDENT 'round the same time you did?

um......multiple idents would show up on the scope.

 

[Bravo F/O]

You def don't work for AA then.

So true. Whats the rush AA.

 

[Lear Wanna Be]

It's my understanding that you can't be handed off to another controller without them accepting the hand off or at least acknowledging that you're coming their way. So he knew that you were there and what you were told to do(most likely).

That is true. The controller you are currently talking to will "flash" the other controller electronically to try to hand you off. The next controller can accept the hand-off electronically as well. If the first controller can not get him to accept the hand-off, then he will pick-up the phone and call that guy. If he still doesn't answer then you will start getting vectors to remain within the first controllers airspace.

What typically happens is that the first controller will try to hand you off at about 20 miles (may vary) from the edge of his airspace. When the next controller accepts, then the first controller can tell you to call Chicago Center on 123.85. Basically what has happened is that the controllers have agreed that you will be at your assigned altitude (level, block, or going up or down) until the next controller has you within his airspace. So if you make the switch and ask for higher and the controller tells you that he will have that for you in about 6 miles, then it is because he is waiting for you to get in his airspace. Of course he could pick-up the phone and get permission from the last guy, but it is just easier to wait a minute or two and then climb you. If you need a change because of weather, he will usually get it for you.

There is nothing more annoying than the airline guys that are out there stepping on people left and right. I check in out of FL 230 climbing to FL280 and before the controller can answer, Delta or name the airline is checking in or asking for something. For Pete's sake, wait a second and/or listen before you talk and we will all get more efficient service. So kudos to you for taking your time.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

You know what's even more fun? Flying along and realizing that the only transmissions you hear are from other aircraft and not ATC anymore. :beer:

 

[partypilot1]

I usually switch over and wait for center to call me, then after his second try I give it 10 seconds and tell him "sorry I was on the land line" We do it back and forth to each other...JK

 

[ericpj14]

I'm a controller at jax center and sometimes when another controller hands me an aircraft climbing everything looks fine, but then say it's a slow king air or even a crj. They are horrible performers in the climb by the way. We have to look at our traffic and sometime that aircraft isn't going to top an overflight and we have to stop the climber. The controller may have had to stop you because as soon as you checked on he was going to give you a vector to keep the climb going, but for whatever reason there wasn't time so you had to level. Remember we have to use 5 miles so you might not see the traffic we are keeping you away from. I have to agree with the previous post about the airlines checking on and stepping all over everyone. I am a pilot and have flown commercially and I always made sure to listen before talking. I appreciate those of you who do it! Thank you

 

[murfdawg998]

So true. Whats the rush AA.

except when they're issued takeoff clearances