VFR flight following

[Horizon]

While on a short VFR XC flight, departure instructs you to contact the tower of the class-D field you'll be landing at. Suppose the instruction is simply this:

"Cessna123, contact XYZ tower on 118.7".

2 questions. Is this a handoff, and if it is, can you legally delay the initial contact with the tower, to say acquire the ATIS??? Or do you HAVE TO contact the tower immediately after that instruction from departure?

Thanks.

 

[NW_Pilot]

You should have already got the Atis prior to the hand off always be ahead of the game.

 

[Horizon]

You should have already got the Atis prior to the hand off always be ahead of the game.

So, you tell departure you want to change frequencies, and the check back in? Sorry, student-pilot here.

 

[avbug]

You should probably have already received ATIS if you're close enough to be turned over to the tower. However, if you don't have it and need it, you can advise the tower "negative ATIS," then askthem to go off the frequency to get it (assuming you have only one radio). If you have two radios, you can do both at the same time.

When you contact the tower, they'll probably give you the important information anyway. However, suppose important information is available on ATIS that you need to know before you get close? Perhaps a fresh NOTAM? Perhaps a runway closure. Who knows. You should have the information in hand. "XXX Tower, Cessna 12345 is six miles south at seven thousand, Charlie." Make it partof your initial callup.

 

[Horizon]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused about having two radios. If two radios are installed in the airplane, you can listen to two different frequencies through your headset at the same time?

 

[JCJ]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused about having two radios. If two radios are installed in the airplane, you can listen to two different frequencies through your headset at the same time?

yes..You should have an audio panel that will allow you to select which radio you are using to transmit (that receiver will automatically be active) and if you wish to listen with the other one. In today's world, it's a good idea to use your second radio to monitor 121.5 unless you are using it to listen to atis, etc.

 

[gfvalvo]

In today's world, it's a good idea to use your second radio to monitor 121.5 unless you are using it to listen to atis, etc.

Agreed, always has been. I’ve picked up ELT signals several times and relayed the info to ATC. Hope somebody nearby is monitoring 121.5 if mine ever activates.

 

[nosehair]

Sorry, I'm a bit confused about having two radios. If two radios are installed in the airplane, you can listen to two different frequencies through your headset at the same time?

Horizon, these guys have already responded as if you alredy know what you are doing. They're talking about experienced and/or two crew operations where you can listen to two frequencies at the same time.

In your case, I would suggst that you listen to the ATIS first before contacting tower, provided you do it timely and efficiently, and the hand-off is not real close to the traffic pattern. When possible, you should be able to anticipate the handdoff and monitor the ATIS prior to the handoff, but sometimes, even the pro's get an early handoff and have not yet gotten ATIS. Well, if it is early, go ahead and take 15 seconds to listen first, then call ATC with the ATIS info. If you think the handoff is late and you are close to the traffic pattern, call tower first with negative ATIS. The tower will give you the info if he wants you to remain with him for traffic. If the traffic is no factor for you he may say to get the ATIS, and advise him when you are back on freq.