Which ATC service to ask for

This video shows you how I decide which ATC service to ask for. The UK is a little different than the rest of the world when it comes to its' ATC service outside of controlled airspace. They're looking align it with the rest of Europe, but for now, when VFR we're left with a choice of a Basic Service, Traffic Service of making use of a listening squawk.
If you're not familiar with what these services are, then this manual for the CAA will help. www.caa.co.uk/publication/dow...
If the link doesn't work, search for CAA CAP 774.
This video is sponsored by Vertigo Covers
www.vertigocovers.co.uk/
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[@DanSmithBK]

Worth a mention - I’m sure it’s a result of the editing, but in case others think it’s normal - the listening squawk should be set once you’re on the frequency - the vid made it seem that the squawk went in first! Thanks for another great vid Jon!

[@ianleslie3290]

Hi DanSmithBK, Absolulty right, select frequency first before selecting listening squawk👍- we had already switched to Farnborough by then (in aticpation of doing something) and when it was decided to not talk to them the listening squawk went it in

[@ianleslie3290]

Whilst you 'may' not get much from a Basic service in normal times My thoughts are 1.they know who you are and your intentions, 2.If you have any sudden emergency they have the basic details 3. You can upgrade to a Traffic Service quickly. 4. I have also had controllers state ' you remain under a basic service but traffic x o'clock left to right similar altiude. ' 5. On one occaision I have also been upgraded to a traffic service by a controller as he was concerened about a lot of traffic where we were operting (Aerial Photography)

[@theflyingfrog]

A really useful video for my students (French pilots learning aviation English)!

[@user-tf9yd8xu8f]

Excellent as usual, many thanks.

[@paulmark63]

Hi John another excellent video keep up the great working you are doing. -Paul in Orpington

[@oliverschiller1927]

Current student at Compton - such a nice airfield

[@kevchilton908]

Another enjoyable video, Jon 👏🏻I love flying to Compton, always a good atmosphere and so much beautiful English countryside 👌🏻

[@DCSHacks]

Great episode! off to watch the DA42 & SR22 episodes now!

[@DeadReckoner]

I particularly enjoyed the music in this one!

[@TimKirkmt]

Great video, Compton's always a good experience, i'm yet to bump into guy ritchie!! - thanks for sharing

[@glennog]

fI've paused at 8:13 to comment, so I'm not influenced by the arguments coming up. If it's expected to be a high traffic area, particularly if it's for an event like this, I would take the traffic service to help with workload management. While the responsibility is still ultimately with me to maintain separation, having that second (or third) pair of eyes is definitely worth it. ATC are part of the team, it makes sense to use them. Now, let's see what you guys say :)

[@evanscm3]

i have a preference for some kind of radar (traffic) service and certainly so if in IMC. Most radar operators will provide a service even if they don't officially offer LARS - Birmingham, Luton & Liverpool come to mind... plus the many MIL sites around who are often quiet. They're usually accomodating, especially if you sound like you know what you're doing on the R/T. Last resort is usually London Info but I'd always call them in the absence of other options. I want to be able to hit the PTT button if something goes bang and know that the person on the other end has my details post haste. I don't get these folks who say 'I'm not required to speak to anyone, so I wont...' - makes no sense to me...

[@fpt9694]

I agree with your comments regarding Farnborough LARS, the controllers do the best they can but it's essentially unusable on weekends. With that said I find your reasoning against getting a traffic service because there's too much traffic slightly circular. Those times when the skies are congested are when an extra pair of eyes can be most valuable. Really what is needed is wholesale reform of the UK ATC services OCA towards something far more similar to what the Americans operate with flight following.

[@aeroplanespotterstv6868]

@flying reporter Nigel Reid with his blue ANDREASSON BA4B

[@ludo5866]

Thanks for your videos again ! Great job. I'm asking myself what would be the rational to don't ask for traffic service everytime ? In Belgium each time we contact flight information service we receive traffic information

[@Steeyuv]

Helicopter pilot speaking, I always go for Basic Service - if Traffic, they never seem to stop talking at you.

[@irisaviation852]

I agree….or I choose controlled airspace as no one there.

[@Steeyuv]

@@irisaviation852 Ah yes, I have very fond memories of a transit of Stansted's airspace, one of the most relaxing aerial experiences ever! I was expecting vectors every which way, but the sequence went 'radar control' - ten minutes of blissful flying in a straight line almost over the airport itself - 'basic service'.

[@irisaviation852]

@@Steeyuv I transited Stansted Saturday, sometimes get held but nearly always straight over the numbers. Love it.

[@morgantheceoliac8466]

I always ask for a traffic, any extra help to keep good situation awareness I'm going to try and get it. Especially with how busy the south coast can be

[@jeremykemp3782]

Hi, why did atc not give you QFE for that overhead join?

[@nud246810]

You could always ask for a traffic service in a block, containing your planned altitude... Eg "request traffic service in a block from altitude 3000 to 4000ft" In this case you would plan to fly 3500 and would only be alerted to traffic within that 3000-4000ft block, getting rid of all low flying aircraft eg helicopters and students...

[@ianleslie3290]

Useful tip. Never really thought of doing that.

[@drunkinbda]

is it more overhead for the controllers, or something they just plug into your item on the system that filters automatically?

[@nud246810]

@@drunkinbda I'm not sure, however, I do sometimes go on the atc tower tours at EGGP so can ask them next time and get back to you 👍

[@KyleDonachie]

This is not correct. The controller providing a Traffic Service, that has not been reduced, should still be passing traffic information if deemed necessary on aircraft passing within 3nm and 3000ft. By requesting a level band, you are actually increasing the amount of traffic information required to be passed, however, reducing the requirement to constantly report level changes.

[@GULLPERCHFLYER]

Wonder when you had time to put your hat on when landing. 😊

[@ianleslie3290]

It's all in the edit. That was when we were taxying to the hold for the departure 😜

[@irisaviation852]

We need to have a chat about cleaning the screen…

[@teenflon]

As a student I was planning to ask my instructor about this. If our role is to perform the safest possible flight why shouldnt we always at least ask for a traffic service to improve our own safety? I've heard on similar videos that people dont want to be a burden and let others use the service instead, but that doesnt add up to me. Even further, why would we speculate the ATC may be busy so wont ask, when an ATC might be quiet thinking I've not got much on! :) Everything is about increasing safety as much as possible, yet people dont want to ask for a traffic service, an extreme but similar view would be I wont fuel up in case other people need fuel and it runs out. Is there more to it?

[@TheFlyingReporter]

You ask some good questions. But is receiving a traffic service, the safest way to operate? You suggest that it is, but is it? It in some cases increases workload, distraction, and you can get bombarded with traffic information that isn’t a threat and don’t spot a threat they haven’t told you about. You’re a student, so like I said in the video, follow your instructors advice, and when you get your license and build experience, you’ll have the opportunity to form a view.

[@geoffreycoan]

I personally don't think there's much point in a basic service, It doesn't give you much of anything. Listening squark or no service is what I do most of the time, traffic if poor visibility

[@Falckodotcom]

Your video's are a great inspiration, really enjoy watching them! Keep up the good work. Any plans to fly to EHGG? (my homefield)