"Change to my frequency, 135.4"

[NM Doug]

I had been acknowledging this incorrectly, just giving my callsign. I knew the controller wasn't changing, only the frequency. The controller on PE this morning pointed out to me that I should include the frequency when checking in after changing over.

I found it in AIM (of course!) here: 4-2-3 d. 2 (the example)

2. At times, a controller/specialist may be working a sector with multiple frequency assignments. In order to eliminate unnecessary verbiage and to free the controller/specialist for higher priority transmissions, the controller/specialist may request the pilot “(Identification), change to my frequency 123.4.” This phrase should alert the pilot that the controller/specialist is only changing frequencies, not controller/specialist, and that initial callup phraseology may be abbreviated.

EXAMPLE-
“United Two Twenty-Two on one two three point four” or “one two three point four, United Two Twenty-Two.”

Thanks!
Doug

[Ryan Landis]

Thanks, I have always wondered how to do the initial callup. I guess I better look through the AIM once in a while..lol

[Mark Hargrove]

I think I've been doing this incorrectly as well -- and now I'm confused.

On a normal frequency change I acknowledge the change to controller A, then check-in with controller B on the new frequency -- usually just "Socal, Cessna 757VB, level 5000" (or whatever).

When I receive the instruction "...change to my frequency 135.4" I've been replying "Changing to your frequency, 135.4, Cessna 757VB", and then dialing in the new freq, but have NOT been checking in on the new frequency.

So what's the correct procedure? Change frequencies first then announce yourself on the new freq? i.e., "Cessna 757VB, 135.4"

-M.

[Keith Smith]

acknowledge receipt of the instruction, then announce that you've made the switch.

"changing to 135.40, N123AB."

"Socal, N3AB made the switch." or "Socal, N3AB is on 135.40"

This way, if you misunderstand the frequency, the controller will catch it before you switch. Then, after the switch, this verifies that you're on the right freq.

[Ryan B]

Does the AIM say to readback the switch, then call up on the new freq?

The guys I work with just make the switch, then say "flaghip3041 on 127.4" I prefer it that way... less transmissions. This is how I do it on PE whether it's illegal or not hehe.

[Keith Smith]

The AIM says what the initial check-in would be after the switch (to contrast with a normal check-in with a new controller), but doesn't specify the readback.

Honestly, if you make the switch pretty quickly and check in, I think that's fine. However, if you're flying in the sim and it's going to take you a while to make the switch, I would let the controller know you're doing it so he can move on to other things.