Disconnection while airborne

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MoeB(NCC1701E)
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:33 am

Disconnection while airborne

Post by MoeB(NCC1701E) »

Is it permissible for one to disconnect while in the middle of a flight if they have to leave the computer? Do we have to tell atc before we disconnect or will they know?

Also, is it permissible to pause while airborne? If so, how would you appear to others?

thanks
Keith Smith
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Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2010 8:38 pm
Location: Pompton Plains, NJ
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Re: Disconnection while airborne

Post by Keith Smith »

MoeB(NCC1701E) wrote:Is it permissible for one to disconnect while in the middle of a flight if they have to leave the computer? Do we have to tell atc before we disconnect or will they know?

Also, is it permissible to pause while airborne? If so, how would you appear to others?

thanks
If you want to disconnect and terminate the flight, it's ok to do it without warning. That does not cause any technical issues, or separation issues. We will be left wondering, though, if there was a software error, a net connection issue, or if you were unhappy enough to leave without a word (we care a great deal about the pilot experience here), but we also know that sometimes something will come up that requires an instant disconnection, too. All things considered, if you CAN easily let ATC know that you need to leave (no reason required), it would be the preferred option, but is not mandatory.

It is fine to pause while airborne for any reason at all, just as long as you notify ATC that you're doing it in advance, assuming you're in airspace that requires you to be in contact with ATC. If ATC has a good reason for not allowing it, they'll let you know, and if you still need to pause, you should disconnect instead (this will be a rare occurrence and limited to cases where a pause would lead to an imminent conflict with another aircraft, such as when you're inbound to a busy airport, and there are aircraft behind you).

There are simple workarounds to this if you can be flexible. For example, ATC might say, "I can't have you pause right there, instead, turn left heading 010, descend and maintain 5000. Upon reaching 5000, the pause is approved." That way, they get you out of the way (or above/below) the conflicting flow, and then you can pause as long as needed.

I hope this helps!
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