What's your position.
Thread Starter
What's your position.
Hi guys small point but a lot of GA guys get hung up over getting it right on the VHF,
Question I am receiving a FIS from a regional airport skirting there CTR with me in my non transponder microlight and I am asked G-M*** what's your position sometime after my initial call, My response is normally something like, Over blah blah 1500ft on QNH**** G-M***,
Is it necessary for me to give altitude info or just my position.
Nick.
Question I am receiving a FIS from a regional airport skirting there CTR with me in my non transponder microlight and I am asked G-M*** what's your position sometime after my initial call, My response is normally something like, Over blah blah 1500ft on QNH**** G-M***,
Is it necessary for me to give altitude info or just my position.
Nick.
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Altitude useful to know unless it's already been established. If they've already given you the QNH and you've read it back, don't bother repeating it on every call as they'll assume you're still using it.
Not every ATCO is familiar with his/her local area other than from the ATC perspective, so position reports with reference to a VRP can be useful.
Not every ATCO is familiar with his/her local area other than from the ATC perspective, so position reports with reference to a VRP can be useful.
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For my 2p's worth, if I ask for your position, that's all I need. If I need any more info I'll ask
As Scooby suggests reporting your position relating to a V.R.P. or significant geographical feature, (large town, etc), is better than an obscure hamlet in the middle of nowhere.
As Scooby suggests reporting your position relating to a V.R.P. or significant geographical feature, (large town, etc), is better than an obscure hamlet in the middle of nowhere.
Reminds me of decades ago at Coventry. Radar not available, only a D/F bearing, pilot lost. Asked if he had any landmarks in sight, he replied "I'm over a sewage farm." There was a tempting answer to this but it would not have been appropriate in the circumstances! Suffice it to say that we found something more meaningful and got him home.
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If you keep being asked to 'report your position' or 'report your next turning point' it's possibly so the controller can monitor your progress and ensure you are still ok and are not geographically displaced, or worse. If you under a FIS, chances are you will have been allocated a squawk that denotes an a/c under a FIS. With potentially 10s of FIS on frequency in a limited geographical area it's just another way of extending a warm fuzzy feeling to the GA community who know they're being listened to/monitored. You probably don't need to keep reiterating the QNH you're on but an altitude update is always handy. If you've manouvered due to Wx or some such reason then we can keep you informed of any relevant info. Just keep it succinct and leave out the 'this is G ****, currently ***, er turning left, er to avoid a cloud, er, ummm etc.
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Northern Radar, early 70's. Controller trying to identify a free calling Jet Provost student:
Northern: J25, what's your position?
Student: 2 miles south of Little Tenby.
Northern: I don't know where Little Tenby is. Can you give me another position?
Student: Um, er... 5 miles east of Churchford.
Northern: I don't know where Churchford is. Can you give me another position please?
Student: Er, um....about 6 miles south west of Steeple Down.
Northern: I'm sorry, but I don't know where Steeple Down is. Can you give me your position relative to Middleton St George?
Student: I don't know where Middleton St George is.
Canberra pilot listening patiently: Half time score - Jet Provost 3, Northern Radar 1.
As others have said, use a position that's likely to be known to ATC.
Northern: J25, what's your position?
Student: 2 miles south of Little Tenby.
Northern: I don't know where Little Tenby is. Can you give me another position?
Student: Um, er... 5 miles east of Churchford.
Northern: I don't know where Churchford is. Can you give me another position please?
Student: Er, um....about 6 miles south west of Steeple Down.
Northern: I'm sorry, but I don't know where Steeple Down is. Can you give me your position relative to Middleton St George?
Student: I don't know where Middleton St George is.
Canberra pilot listening patiently: Half time score - Jet Provost 3, Northern Radar 1.
As others have said, use a position that's likely to be known to ATC.
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My 2p worth
Stick to points marked on the half mil map - we have one next to the desk and I suspect most units do!
And I'm happy for aircraft to report their level as well since they have a habit of changing it without telling me!
PS It'll be much easier when we give a "Basic service"... report changing enroute!
Stick to points marked on the half mil map - we have one next to the desk and I suspect most units do!
And I'm happy for aircraft to report their level as well since they have a habit of changing it without telling me!
PS It'll be much easier when we give a "Basic service"... report changing enroute!
