Work involoved in giving an FIS.
 

Hi all, just out of curiosity, if I in a light aircraft was passing near to your airfield ctl zone say with its own CTR and I call you for a FIS but remaining clear of controlled airspace, what kind of work would that involve for you.

Nick.

Nick

If you want to ask for a FIS I suggest you do it before midnight tonight. Obviously as a PPL you are aware of the forthcoming (tomorrow) ATSOCAS changes, aren't you?

In view of tomorrow being the Ides of March, could you be more specific? The answer is somewhere between Notalot and Ahellavalot.

2 s

And I always thought that it was the 15th......:O

For your next Pub quiz

Ides ,the 15th day in March, May, July, and October; the 13th in the other months:8

<<I call you for a FIS but remaining clear of controlled airspace, what kind of work would that involve for you.>>

The answer is, probably not a lot...

Well technically it was still a FIS when I posted but ok today its a BASIC SERVICE,

So same question what's involved at your end.

Nick.

I refer you to my previous answer Nick.. There really is not a lot for the controller to do, unless he has information concerning, for example, your destination, or reported bad weather en route.

Nick

Why don't you try accessing the CD or online package to enlighten yourself. As HD states, there's not a lot of work in a solitary BS. Try asking to visit your local ATC provider for a visit and I am sure they'll be more than happy to oblige. A bit of face to face meeting helps both parties understand each other a bit more. Just remember to bring biscuits. :ok:

Could I ask a supplementary question about a FIS, sorry BS, when outside CAS?

Do controllers like to be advised of altitude changes even when your squawking Mode C? Sometimes, when controllers are very busy, it seems an unnecessary addition to their work load. This seems particularly relevant, say, to the East of Bristol when one wants to keep clear of Colerne and cloud conditions have changed to allow you to climb above their ATZ.

I must confess that I tend not to bother, but will if it is what controllers want.

Hi Grabbers, if the CD you refer to is the one regarding ATC outside controlled airspace, I have one came a few weeks back,

Just being nosey to what goes on your end when a GA type asks for basic service, ie do you fill in a strip ect.

Nick.

Yes. We are providing you with a service. We record the time and location you call at, your (reported) level, flight rules, relevant pressure setting (where I work, this can be aerodrome QNH or the choice of two RPSs), and the type of service you are receiving. That's just from the first exchange of R/T.

Beyond that, at the very least, your intended routing and level. You may or may not be asked to report at certain points, and your level and changes of that. It is generally dependant on the air traffic in the relevant area.

Pulse 1

I am familiar with the area of which you speak. As a controller I would always appreciate being informed of any changes in your altitudes, headings or flight conditions. If you assess the RT as being busy then a quick "G-XX now at xxxxft to maintain VMC/above cloud, tracking XX". At the very least it gives us an idea of weather in your area and at best we may know of something in your area that wasn't a definite risk of collision due to altitude but you may have unknowingly adjusted to make said traffic a factor. Also, you can often tell in a pilots voice how confident he/she is in what they're doing. An unsure pilot certainly gets a lot more of my attention, regardless of the type of service.

Like I said earlier, try and arrange a visit to your local ATC unit. I'm sure you would be made welcome and the more GA pilots that do, the more we can all understand each other.

Thanks Grabbers. I will change the habit of a lifetime.

I often get a BS from Bournemouth and they are usually so busy that, if you're outside CAS, it really is basic. However, I was very surprised one afternoon when, passing north of their Zone towards Compton Abbas, they asked me if I had a problem. They had noticed that I was tracking slightly south of Compton Abbas because my passenger wanted to see the Dorset Steam Fair. That should have told me that they like to be told what you're up to.

Pulse 1,

It really is so we can provide the best service possible, irrespective of which service you're under. They were probably concerned about you and, possibly a descending Mode C readout. Could indicate a AFL or tech problem. THe key is, if the RT sounds busy keep your Tx's clear and to the point. A visit would prove invaluable I reckon.:ok:

Foxy Loxy many thanks that answers my question in full.

Nick.

Pulse 1 - just to clarify - you wouldn't get a Basic Service inside controlled airspace as it is a service only for outside CAS.

louby

I'm not working operationally at the moment and I'm not fully up to speed with the new ATSOCAS stuff - but what type of FIS can be/are provided inside CAS?