An excellent point made here.
Please, colleagues, use VS mode to ensure that you do not scream up or down to your cleared level in busy (any?) skies. I usually ensure that my rate does not exceed the height to go; for example if climbing in Flight Level or Level Change, and the rate is greater than 2000fpm, I will select VS at 2000 feet to go at 2000fpm, then reduce to 1500fpm at 1500 feet to go, and then to 1000fpm.... you get the picture...
There are exceptions. If you know the usual level you are cleared to prior to exchange of control (frequency change) and it's quiet, then be less careful, if you wish. However, some parts of some TMAs are getting to be so busy that using LVLCH for the entire time climbing or descending must be questioned.
One point above which I must take issue with is that which suggests that sometimes not reporting can be a good thing. This is clearly a dangerous path down which to tread, and again it is preferable to have a little too much paperwork than one too few aircraft on the ramp at the end of the day.
Finally, KEEP A GOOD LOOKOUT!!!
Edited for typo.
[This message has been edited by Portly (edited 11 October 2000).]