Originally Posted by SASless
In Un-Controlled Airspace....what requirement is there to communicate with ATC?
In the US, much of the airspace is "controlled" in that you must be on an IFR flight plan if weather is below visual. I assume you mean airspace within which you must be in 2-way communication with ATC, and in some cases (Class A/B/C) you must be under ATC control. I won't be in any class A ("A"bove ... FL180) ha ha, but if I'm not around any major aerodromes, or near any tower-controlled aerodromes (so in Class E for 'E'verywhere), then you are not
required to talk to ATC. But flying out in the open desert southwest, I can easily be 20+ miles from anything and not have any mobile phone service. If I have a problem, it would be nice to have VFR flight following. Also, if operating within fixed wing altitude structure, in my mind it is entirely possible that a faster fixed wing aircraft could run up behind me and I would not see it. For this, radar following from the Air Route Traffic Control Center ("center") is something I'd like as well. So I would
want to talk to ATC (center) if flying at a VFR altitude (odd thousands plus 500 for eastbound).
Originally Posted by SASless
If you file a VFR Flight Plan what requirement do you have to do a Position Report?
None. You simply have to close your flight plan with a Flight Service Station after landing (or sooner if you wish). But I won't file a VFR flight plan, rather just "pick up" VFR flight following from center.
Originally Posted by SASLess
In parts of the USA....it can be easy to avoid "having" to communicate with ATC for most of the day.
Yes, but it has its advantages, not the least of which it can be entertaining, it can help you know the weather ahead, and useful in an unusual or emergency situation. I don't mind it.
