Norfolk Island Ditching ATSB Report - ?

[Lead Balloon]

Originally Posted by CaptainMidnight

Lookleft saidver 40+ years experience I have held the view that rather than always expect to be given or handed such information, it is instead a pilot responsibility (a philosophy seemingly supported by AIP & CAR) to:

1. obtain all operational information necessary for a flight;
2. update it before flight, particularly if a significant time period has elapsed from the time the original material was sourced, and
3. in-flight be proactive and regularly seek updates, e.g. half hour and hourly METAR/SPECI if available if going to a location where the WX or other local aspects may be subject to change, particularly if an enroute diversion/decision point is involved.

While ATC/ATS have a responsibility to pass limited information in-flight to particular categories of flight in specific classes of airspace,

1. it is subject to their workload,
2. their alert or delivery timing may not suit my calculations or decision times, and
3. they will not be aware of my alternate(s) nor anything affecting flight thereto, which I also need to monitor.

To me, this is basic knowledge and practice for all pilots. If it isn't being taught, then that is a sad indictment of pilot training in this country.

Hmmmm.

So how often should I make the call: “X Centre, ABC, please provide all information that you have that’s relevant to my flight but you haven’t provided yet.”

Every 30 minutes?

I’ve learnt something new today.