Requesting Frequency Changes

CHAPTER THREE

SNFO/SWSO VOICE COMMUNICATIONS

NOTE

The altitude passing should be rounded to the nearest 100 feet

when passing an altitude.

If two-way communications cannot be established with the Center controller after changing

frequencies, contact the transferring controller for another frequency and report "negative

contract" or "no joy" on the previously assigned frequency. The transferring controller will then

give you further instructions.

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"Memphis Center, KATT 814, no joy (or negative

contact) on 284.7."

CENTER:

"KATT 814, attempt contact with Memphis

Center on 287.4."

SNFO/SWSO:

"Memphis Center, KATT 814, switching 287.4."

The normal communication sequence is: Departure, then Center for several sectors, then

Approach Control.

309. REQUESTING FREQUENCY CHANGES

Aircraft with a single radio may need to request a frequency change from the current controller

in order to listen or make a call on a different frequency. Getting ATIS for an enroute approach

field or your final destination is one example. Never simply switch frequencies when under

positive control. Always request the switch from the controller.

Example

SNFO/SWSO:

"Atlanta Center, KATT 821, request off

frequency, monitor guard."

CENTER:

"KATT 821, frequency change approved, report

back up 3 minutes."

SNFO/SWSO:

"KATT 821, wilco."

NOTE

If more than one radio is available in the aircraft, the student

should not request "off frequency", but manage the radios so the

controlling frequency and the desired frequency are both

monitored.

Always monitor guard. This is the emergency frequency (UHF 243.0/VHF 121.5). Most

military aircraft have the capability to monitor one primary frequency plus the emergency

frequency. If you did have to switch off the primary frequency, this enables the controller to call

3-12 IFR COMMUNICATIONS