VFR flights (UK/Europe) - when/where to contact ATC?

User Support Hub ATC, Traffic & NAVAIDs
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1

I mostly fly VFR in MSFS 2024 with SayIntentions.AI.

Nearly all my flights are UK/Europe based.

After some online research, I think I now grasp the reasoning behind “Request Flight Following” and would like to use it as far as possible.

After taking off from departure airport, I am not sure on how to determine:
(a) which ATC region/airport(s) I should be contacting, and
(b) when to switch frequencies, as the flight progresses

Can anyone offer any guidance please?

In case it is relevant, I have a Navigraph subscription.

Thanks in advance, Alasdair (aka FlyBasher…..)

2

It depends on the airspace you’re in, controlled or uncontrolled.
Read all about it here:

3

Thank you for this - I will read it, but stress that my flying is UK/Europe based, and not US.
Regards, Alasdair

4

I am not a pilot IRL but from what I understand you only need to contact ATC to get clearance for take-off, landing and flying into a controlled airspace. You need to follow VFR charts to know where these zones are. In many cases an airspace is only controlled at certain altitudes, for example between FL100-FL200. If you fly above FL200 or below FL100 you don’t need to contact ATC but it’s aways good to announce your presence.

I hope more experienced VFR pilots will correct me.

5

Thank you - any recommendations on what/which VFR charts I should use to determine where these zones are?
Regards, Alasdair

6

“Announcing my presence” is what I would like to achieve, even if not strictly required.
Regards, Alasdair

7

Well, you can buy real ones but it will cost you if you like to explore the world :). Since you have Navigraph subscription you can find this information in their app. If you right click anywhere on the map, you will get information about controlled airspace and radio frequencies.

I never used SayIntentions.AI so don’t know if it supports VFR. I use Beyond ATC and it does not, yet.

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8

Thank you - helpful info re using Navigraph for the airspace and radio frequencies.
I have both BATC and SAI, and mainly use SAI (purely for the VFR side of things). I have to say I like it very much.
I am looking forward to when BATC has VFR capability included though.
Regards, Alasdair