Requesting Altitude Changes

SNFO/SWSO VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

CHAPTER THREE

you if the situation warrants prior to returning to his frequency. During this switch, you can

receive ATIS, give a PIREP (pilot report), talk to BASE, METRO, or a FSS facility, etc. If the

controller did put a time limit on your switch, be sure to honor the request.

When complete with whatever administrative task prompted the switch, report that you have

returned to the control frequency.

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"Atlanta Center, KATT 821 is back up."

CENTER:

"KATT 821, Atlanta Center, roger."

310. REQUESTING ALTITUDE CHANGES

Perhaps there is turbulence at your altitude, or your pilot would prefer to fly in VMC conditions

if the current altitude is IMC. Because a change in altitude is not a long request, there is no need

for a courtesy call (nor is there a need for an explanation).

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"Atlanta Center, KATT 150, request FL 210."

CENTER:

"KATT 150, climb and maintain FL 210."

SNFO/SWSO:

"KATT 150, leaving FL 190 for FL 210."

If already in contact with a controller who amends your altitude while you are in a climb/descent,

it is not required to again say passing or leaving the current altitude.

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"Atlanta Center, KATT 150, passing 16,000 for

FL 210."

CENTER:

"KATT 150, climb and maintain FL 190."

SNFO/SWSO:

"KATT 150, continuing to FL 190."

After the initial request, Center may tell you to standby while they deconflict traffic. They may

say "expect higher in XX minutes (miles)". Make sure the altitude you request is proper, using

semicircular cruising rules.

If you would like to climb to a specific altitude, request this specific altitude (e.g., FL 250) as

opposed to merely saying: "Center, KATT 150 requesting higher." This latter call may only get

you up to some intermediate altitude. Don't make the controller play a guessing game. If you

want something specific, ask for it.

IFR COMMUNICATIONS

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