Requesting Slight Route Changes

CHAPTER THREE

SNFO/SWSO VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

311. REQUESTING SLIGHT ROUTE CHANGES

Let's use Figure 3-4 to illustrate a simple route change. Assume that 50 miles northeast of

Harvey (HRV) on J31, you are a little behind in your fuel planning and would like to go direct to

SJI. Your destination will remain Navy Pensacola. It is an easy request to cut off a leg of your

flight:

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"Houston Center, BUCK 716, request present

position direct SJI, then as filed."

If your aircraft can be safely cleared, they will respond:

CENTER:

"BUCK 716, cleared direct SJI, rest of route

unchanged."

SNFO/SWSO:

"BUCK 716, direct SJI, rest of route unchanged."

Remember to always read back any portion of a clearance that contains altitude assignments or

vectors. The remainder of the clearance can be "rogered" unless potential confusion exists.

If on the chart your requested route had cut across another Center's airspace (i.e., Memphis

Center's airspace), you could expect delay:

Example

CENTER:

"BUCK 716, I have your request," or "BUCK

716, standby."

312. VECTORS

ATC often gives aircraft a vector in a climb or descent, or simply to separate traffic:

Example

CENTER:

"BUCK 715, turn left 300, vector for traffic."

SNFO/SWSO:

"BUCK 715, left 300."

Enroute vectors are common. Maintain an awareness of your position at all times but don't

worry about heading off course. The controller is fully aware of where you need to be going and

will eventually get back to you. When put on a vector be prepared to pick up the navigation

when he says "resume your own navigation" direct to a station or back to the airway.

When you are on a vector and then told to switch frequencies, a modified check-in call is

necessary to remind the new controller.

3-14 IFR COMMUNICATIONS