Freq For Following From Class E

[BFG]

Last night I departed Class E KTRM and then went to pick up following. I used ForeFlight for the freqs, and it lists LA Center, LA Center Departure, and SoCal Approach. I called Center on 128.15 and was advised to call Approach, but it was a different freq than on the chart. Question is: what's the proper reference for getting the right freq for you guys when we depart an E? I know you have your own system that isn't exactly the same as real world, so I wondered if there's a reference out there somewhere. Controller was classy last night as usual, but I'd prefer not to be a pain if I don't need to be.

Thanks,

~ BFG / N15JG

[Keith Smith]

Check the airport facility directory, it states that during normal hours, socal provides atc. Outside of those hours, it's la center. You will be able to reach socal on the published freq, that is the correct procedure.

If we swap you to another socal freq, it doesn't mean you did anything wrong.

[BFG]

Perfect Keith, thanks. When he didn't give me 135.275 I though I was perhaps missing something. Thanks, too, for the pointer to the facility directory. Much more helpful than the list of freqs in FF.

[Peter Grey]

Yup, don't overthink frequencies. Obviously use the A/FD (now the chart supplement...) to find one to start but don't worry if that's the "wrong" one.

As long as you get a hold of *someone* they will be able to get you to the right place.

[uncertifiedpilot]

Follow up question: And we can only request FF after departure in that case, right? Not contacting TRACON/ARTCC on the ground of the uncontrolled airport...

[Keith Smith]

It's actually quite rare to be able to speak to Approach from the ground at an airport. It's often the case that a phone call is required to obtain IFR clearances and releases. However, since we don't have phone capability on PE, we have made the Approach/Center transmitters stronger than they would be in the real world so that you're able to obtain your IFR clearance on the ground.

Given that situation, it's not reasonable to use that capability to do something that wouldn't be done in the real world, which would calling the TRACON on the phone to pick up flight following in advance of the departure.

This is why it's more correct to request FF in the air from a non-towered airport, even though PE lets you talk to TRACON while on the ground.

[uncertifiedpilot]

Got'ya.