Contact Departure

[jalex85]

Hello guys.

On IFR flights when taking off, I've noticed that sometimes twr to departure handoffs occur way after takeoff. I am unsure if I should continue on twr freq until explicit handoff or if the controller is expecting me to contact departure after takeoff as we were already given departure freq at our clearance.

Thanks for your help!

[Piotr]

You always have to wait until told to contact departure. If you are unsure is controller haven't forgotten about you you can ask sth like "verify you still want us on you frequency"

[jalex85]

Thanks for your response! Will keep waiting until handoff then! =)

[Keith Smith]

The only 3 freq changes you can make at your discretion are the swap from clearance to ground, the swap from ground to tower when approaching the runway, and leaving the tower freq when leaving Class D if you aren't receiving radar service.