Maintain VFR

[pilotbry]

Hopefully there is not an obvious answer to this question that has simply eluded me through 6 years of flying but...

During VFR flights I always get flight following. I am repeatedly told by ATC to "Maintain VFR". Why is it necessary to tell me that? I'm obviously not on an IFR plan, of course I'm going to maintain VFR. Or does this mean something different than what I think it means?

Also - I was working photo missions in Los Angeles airspace recently and would hear ATC frequently say to other aircraft "Confirm you are VFR" after they seemed to be checking in after a hand-off. I fly missions all over the USA and had never heard that before.

thx

[chrisatc]

Originally Posted by pilotbry

Hopefully there is not an obvious answer to this question that has simply eluded me through 6 years of flying but...

During VFR flights I always get flight following. I am repeatedly told by ATC to "Maintain VFR". Why is it necessary to tell me that? I'm obviously not on an IFR plan, of course I'm going to maintain VFR. Or does this mean something different than what I think it means? You would be surprised how many pilots will blindly follow ATC instructions into IMC without question. Telling a pilot to maintain VFR is just a reminder to him of his first priority.

Also - I was working photo missions in Los Angeles airspace recently and would hear ATC frequently say to other aircraft "Confirm you are VFR" after they seemed to be checking in after a hand-off. I fly missions all over the USA and had never heard that before. Sometimes the data tag may not indicate the aircraft is VFR while his altitude indicates he is. The question is asked to make sure the controller provides appropriate separation if/as needed.

thx

[LarryinTN]

As with many (most?) ATC procedures, this is the result of past accidents. It is to make sure that there's no misunderstanding on the part of the pilot regarding whether or not he's being provided with IFR separation and services.

[cfii2007]

I've gotten told that while performing VFR practice approaches....something like "squak 1234, practice approach approved, maintain VFR."

[pilotbry]

OK I understand now - but it just seems like such a "goes without saying" elementary rule that if it is that big of a problem, there must be a lot of pilots out there that shouldn't be flying. It's like a controller clearing a pilot to land and then having to add a reminder not to do a 180 on the runway after rollout.

[3enginejock]

The rule is there so VFR pilots dont fly into IMC. For instance if your on flight following and for some reason ATC gives you a heading to fly, he will add maintain VFR at the end.

This is so the pilot doesnt follow that heading into IMC. Youd be surprised how many pilots would do this. People dont know how dangerous IMC without training is until they have actually flown in it.

[thesoonerkid]

Originally Posted by 3enginejock

Youd be surprised how many pilots would do this. People dont know how dangerous IMC without training is until they have actually flown in it.

or IMO, when flying in VMC above clouds at night....that thank God i had my CFI with me.

[HiDef]

Originally Posted by cfii2007

I've gotten told that while performing VFR practice approaches....something like "squak 1234, practice approach approved, maintain VFR."

Thats straight out of the .65 and is required for us controllers to say if you're going to do a vfr practice approach and we won't be providing separation services. No way around that one.

HD

[Sidious]

Originally Posted by cfii2007

I've gotten told that while performing VFR practice approaches....something like "squak 1234, practice approach approved, maintain VFR."

Yep, everytime we do practice approaches and pretty much anything else with Center or Approach its always "maintain VFR"

[pericynthion]

The wording is "Maintain VFR" not "Maintain VMC". So as well as staying within visual weather conditions it is a reminder that you are responsible for traffic separation and terrain clearance.

Right?

[Alpha Lima]

That one is actually "Maintain VFR, practice approach approved, no separation services provided"
To make sure that the pilot dosent think since they are doing an instrument approach in VFR that they would get separation services.

Originally Posted by pericynthion

The wording is "Maintain VFR" not "Maintain VMC". So as well as staying within visual weather conditions it is a reminder that you are responsible for traffic separation and terrain clearance.

Right?

yes

[Elfmaze]

7110.65 4-8-11. On innitial call we need to tell you to maintain VFR as opposed to the IFR handling approach may have been giving you. Even on a VFR plan.


I didn't accually look it up, but we were having a discussion on it as i passed the thread

[Kmaceri]

Originally Posted by pericynthion

The wording is "Maintain VFR" not "Maintain VMC". So as well as staying within visual weather conditions it is a reminder that you are responsible for traffic separation and terrain clearance.

Right?

Yeah its maintain VFR no VMC because in VFR you have to be certain distances away from clouds in different airspaces. Now like class G its clear of clouds.

[skidz]

I think the purpose of that is to cover the controller in case pilot goes into IMC and as a reminder to pilots that they can deviate from their flight path if necessary to stay VFR.

[FrankiegPilot]

Originally Posted by pilotbry

I am repeatedly told by ATC to "Maintain VFR". Why is it necessary to tell me that? I'm obviously not on an IFR plan


I was working photo missions in Los Angeles airspace recently and would hear ATC frequently say to other aircraft "Confirm you are VFR" after they seemed to be checking in after a hand-off. I fly missions all over the USA and had never heard that before.
thx

Which is why they do tell you that, they want to make it very clear to VFR pilots that you are NOT on a IFR flight plan just because they give you a squawk. Plus as mentioned, you still need to stay out of the clouds.


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