Listening Squawk protocol!?
Hi All,
Recently flying to the south of East Midlands control zone, on the listening squawk as i didn't think getting a basic service was needed (initially at least).
I heard ATC talking to another aircraft travelling in opposite direction to me in the area, warning them of my presence. The other aircraft acknowledged and responded that they understood and would look out.
Should I have then made contact, acknowledged the potential conflict and requested a basic service to best ensure separation? Visibility wasn't great, but in the end I opted to maintain a good lookout, trust that the other traffic was doing the same and that ATC were aware of my position and altitude, so carried on with the listening squawk.
All was fine and the traffic passed well clear, but can't help thinking that maybe responding would have made life easier? What do others do in this situation?
Thanks!