Re: FIS for aircraft outside controlled airspace
If you are close to controlled air space, it is always wise to call and obtain flight following (FIS), even more so when you are near the arrival or departure corridors.
In the US it is easy to navigate just outside of Class B or C airspace, but is it wise too. We have had occurances where pilots were trying to navigate around our Class C without talking to approach and almost became hood ornaments on a flight of F16's or an airliner.
If you tune into the frequency and here that the controllers are up to their armpits in traffic, then I would refrain from calling and asking for flight following until things calm down alittle. If possible I would also steer alittle further away from controlled airspace.
If I have the time I'm more than happy to provide radar flight following to VFR pilots flying through or near my airspace, I'd rather know who is out there and at what altitude, then guess.
Mike R
FWA