From time to time, we see threads on here discussing which ATC units are most helpful to light aircraft, and which have a reputation for not being interested.
Manchester often seems to fall into the "not interested" category. Unless you are inbound to them, or to a field in their zone, the most you're likely to get from them, according to what I tend to read on-line, is flight information down the low-level route (possibly with a very brief mention of the dozen aircraft going the other way down the route if they're bored). So I've never really bothered trying to ask them for much more than this.
A couple of days ago, I had a trial lesson who wanted to fly over his house. We checked the chart, and his house, on the edge of Oldham, was just outside the Manchester CTR, but only just. I told him that we'd be able to get close to his house, but I was a little cautious. Once we were approaching the area, I called Manchester approach, and informed them I was "general handling in the Oldham area, remaining clear of controlled airspace to north of, but very close to, your zone, request Flight Information." Seemed like a sensible thing to do.
A huge thank you to the controller, who immediately gave me a squawk and told me I was "cleared into the zone over Oldham if I needed to do so, let me know when you're leaving the area". Totally un-prompted, and it took a lot of pressure off me since it meant it could concentrate on talking to my student and helping him find his house, rather than spending all my time ensuring remained clear of controlled airspace in an area which I don't know all that well.
Just thought I'd mention this. Two reasons for doing so: first of all, to say that Manchester aren't the demons they're made out to be, they are just as helpful as everyone else when they're quiet (it did sound quiet on the frequency at the time). And secondly, just because a unit has a reputation for not being helpful, it doesn't do any harm to speak to them and see if they're able to offer you any help, because they might just surprise you!
FFF
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