INFORMATION service, it may seem odd but....

[Superfly]

Ok I know what information means but what's the service you get ? Sorry to ask the question but I've done few hours of flying in the UK (mainly local) and will start soon X-country flying. for instance can I get RIS if I contact London INFORMATION ? or basically just the area QNH ?

Thanks in advance to bright some light to this grey area. SF

[737-NG First Officer]

London Information can give you details for conflicting trafic only if that traffic has called them and passed its details, i.e Departure, Destination, Route & Level etc. They cannot provide any Radar service. London is quite usefull if you are crossing the channel or flying about late at night when most other airfield / military controlers are closed down, also they will provide you with atis information and operational information on airfields etc if you ask nicely and they have time.

A local airfield information service will give you just that, runway in use, circuit direction, wind, reported traffic etc. These guy's and girls are rarely qualified and cannot give you permission to land / take off etc. However, you will hear them say "land at you discretion" - which means that as far as they are aware there is nothing about to stop you from landing but it is up to you to make the decision.

I hope this is of some use, good luck with your PPL. You might find that you will get a more timely responce in the Instructor or Private Flying forums.

Cheers.

[Superfly]

737-NG First Officer

thanks for your input, it makes more sense now ! will tune my radio to 124.6 tomorrow and find out more. Cheers, SF

[Bright-Ling]

Superfly.....

as 737 says...they can only give you INFORMATION.

The job is now done by senior ATSA's (Air Traffic Services Assistants) at LATCC, in a room just of the main Area Ops room.

As they are not controllers, they cannot give you any radar service. That said, I believe that they can and do look at a radar tube and see what is going on for guidance.

I reccomend them to you. They are able people who can help you......just be patient. At weeekends especially, they are working like "one armed paper hangers!"

B-L

[Superfly]

Bright-Ling,

Sure I don't expect any radar vectoring nor traffic collision avoidance such as a good old flight following as they do in the States but at least I have a friendly pair of hears who can assist , which is nice ! but surely I can get Flight Information Service can't I ??

Cheers, SF

[Bright-Ling]

Of course!

At weekends though it might get very busy......especially if they band box east and west.

I always use their excellent service....particularly when flying over the sea!!!

Enjoy.

[Cahlibahn]

London Info is slightly different to, say, Elstree Info in that London is manned by ATSAs at LATCC.

Bright-Ling I don't see how the London Info ATSAs can look at a radar screen. There isn't one in their 'cupboard' and they'd hardly have the time or inclination to pop across the room to look at someone else's.

As far as qualifications are concerned, 737-NG, to provide an Info service you need to be a qualified FISO.

[Bright-Ling]

Calibahn....

What you say is also correct, but I didn't say that they DID, only a friend who does the service says that they CAN if they need to, and have done when needed.

That's all. Nothing else.

Hope you found them OK anyway, Superfly.