Read back of clearance "correct"

[breadwild]

Tonight I did two flights requiring read back of a clearance for flight following. I was under the impression the controller would tell me whether or not the read back was correct. Nothing in either case. I have read in other ATC forums that you are *not* cleared unless you hear "November 1234T, read back correct."

Does that apply to VFR or IFR only? Just curious.

Brad

[Anthony Santanastaso]

Hi Brad,

Are you speaking in reference to a departure clearance, or an instruction issued by ATC like a frequency and squawk code?

If you are talking about the latter, then "read back correct" is not required so long as the procedures as outlined in 7110.65, 2-4-1 are followed.

http://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publicat ... c0204.html

Blue skies,

Anthony

[breadwild]

Okay, that makes sense. I was talking about the latter. How about for a Class-C or TRSA? Does that count as a "departure clearance" or the latter?

Thanks.

[Anthony Santanastaso]

No, receiving control instructions in order to receive flight following or traffic advisories does not require a controller to respond with read back correct.

It isn't even necessary when issuing a Class B transition. For example, if I wanted to fly the Skyline Route up the Hudson River, Newark ATCT would not acknowledge with a response for my read back of the Class B clearance.