FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)Navigation and ATCHard
A VFR aircraft is receiving radar traffic advisories (flight following) from an ATC radar facility. Which statement correctly describes this service?
- AThe pilot is relieved of all responsibility to see and avoid other traffic once flight following is established
- BATC guarantees standard IFR separation from all other traffic while flight following is provided
- CThe service is provided on a workload-permitting basis and may be terminated by ATC or the pilot at any time
- DFlight following automatically transfers the aircraft into controlled airspace regardless of its actual position
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The service is provided on a workload-permitting basis and may be terminated by ATC or the pilot at any time
VFR radar traffic advisories (flight following) are an additional service provided by ATC on a workload-permitting basis; it does not guarantee separation, does not relieve the pilot of see-and-avoid responsibility, and can be terminated by either party at any time.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Pilots retain full see-and-avoid responsibility regardless of receiving traffic advisories.
- B. VFR flight following does not provide IFR-level separation guarantees between aircraft.
- D. Flight following does not change the airspace classification of the aircraft's actual position.
VFR Radar Traffic Advisories (Flight Following)
An additional ATC service providing traffic advisories to VFR aircraft on a workload-permitting basis, without providing separation or relieving pilot responsibility for collision avoidance.
- Provided workload permitting, not guaranteed
- Does not provide IFR-level separation
- Pilot remains responsible for see-and-avoid
- Either the controller or pilot may terminate the service at any time
Memory trick: 'Following is a favor, not a guarantee' — ATC helps when they can, but you still watch the sky.