Hi,
Why don't we have a common channel for making "blind-calls" - a common practice elsewhere, such as in Canada (reference a comment on another thread) and back in Australia in the MBZ's and certain "area" frequencies.
Under these arrangements, people call their position, heading, intentions etc. as they pass overhead navaids etc. and if others want clarification, they contact the aircraft concerned direct without wasting a controller's time.
This would leave FIS type channels clear for obtaining information required, and reduce controller workload. Meanwhile, everyones situational awareness would be greatly enhanced, I believe.
What do people think?
Andy
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"Andy sang, Andy watched, Andy waited 'til his billy boiled..." (It was written for me!)