Flight following and altitudes

[breadwild]

I thought I had read that if you are changing altitudes during flight following, it's best to notify the ATC. I did that tonight and was told it was pilot's discretion and that I didn't need to inform ATC. Does it have anything to do with how busy the airspace is? Just not sure when to report a change if at all.

Similarly, not sure about mentioning an altitude when making my initial request, e.g., "Burbank Ground, November 1234T, request flight following to Ontario, 3,500." Not sure if they would 1) care, or 2) tell me to stay under 3000 ("shelf" is 48/30), or for me to not even bother?

Thanks,
Brad

[Anthony Santanastaso]

As far as I know, it isn't necessary to notify ATC about altitude changes unless requested by ATC to do so. On the contrary, I would use good ADM when flying in highly congested areas. Worst case scenario is the controller states that it isn't an issue.

Regarding altitudes on departure, I know that it is worth mentioning since it presents a coordination issue. For example, to use a reference in which I am most familiar, if departing KISP, I would want know if your intention was to leave with Local control at or below 1,400, or with NY Departure at an altitude at or above 1,500. My issued clearance would vary.

Similarly, at KABE, I would either clear you to "Maintain 3,000 until advised" or "Maintain VFR at or below 3,000."

I know those are ZNY examples, but I hope that I made sense.

[breadwild]

Yes, helpful. What is ADM?

[Anthony Santanastaso]

Yes, helpful. What is ADM?

I'm sorry, ADM stands for Aeronautical Decision Making.

[julio.elizalde]

When you make contact with the local radar controller providing service they'll most likely say one of the following:
"Cessna 123, radar contact. Maintain VFR." or "Cessna 123, radar contact. Maintain VFR, report all altitude changes."

The first implies that you can change altitude at your discretion. Alerting ATC about your altitude change will only increase your safety. The second obviously shows that ATC wants to be aware of your altitude changes when they happen. Around an airport like SNA or BUR, or throughout the greater Los Angeles area, it is a necessary type of coordination.

[Keith Smith]

Agreed, except for the 'maintain VFR' part. That is only used with aircraft that are practicing instrument approaches under VFR afaik, since there is no reason for a pilot with flight following to believe that they should do anything other than maintain VFR.