When we think about ATC, we often refer to them as controllers. However, the term "controller" might not fully capture their role. They don’t control everything that happens in our aircraft; as pilots, we hold the ultimate responsibility for the safety of our flights. Air Traffic Control (ATC) collaborates with us and others in the airspace system to enhance that safety, particularly during Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flights. In this post, we’ll explore some key radio calls that can significantly enhance your flying experience and safety in IFR conditions.
During an IFR flight, ATC assigns headings and altitudes, which we must follow. But it’s crucial that we remain proactive in our communication with ATC. We should anticipate potential changes and work with controllers to adjust our flight path when necessary. This collaboration can make a significant difference, especially in challenging flying conditions.
Here are three crucial radio calls to help your flight:
1. Requesting Descent to Minimum Vectoring Altitude
Picture this scenario: you're flying on an assigned heading off a published airway, maintaining 2500 feet, and suddenly you notice ice forming on your wings. In VFR, you could simply descend or turn around. But under IFR, you’re bound by your assigned altitude. So, what can you do?
In this situation, you can request a descent to the Minimum Vectoring Altitude (MVA). The MVA is essentially the lowest altitude ATC can bring you down to while providing radar vectors off a published airway. As long as you’re in radar contact, ATC should be able to get you down safely. When making your request, provide details such as the need to descend due to icing. You don't need to know what the MVA is in the area you're flying in, but a simple request to ATC, and you can find out easily.
For instance, if the MVA in your area is 1700 feet and the cloud ceiling is reported at 2000 feet, this descent should allow you to break out of the clouds and avoid ice. Once you’re below the cloud layer, you have more options. If you're in legal VFR conditions, you can cancel IFR and proceed visually, or if you spot your destination, you can request a visual approach.
2. Navigating Turbulence: Requesting a Block of Airspace
Let’s say you’re flying eastbound out of Albuquerque on Victor 12, bound for Tucumcari, New Mexico, cruising at 13,000 feet. Suddenly, you encounter turbulence and want to explore the possibility of dipping below the clouds. You have options here.
Similar to our previous example, you can ask for a descent to a specific altitude like the MVA or Minimum en Route Altitude (MEA). But you can also think outside the box and request a block of airspace to find an altitude that works best for you. This request is particularly viable when your destination isn’t a busy airport.
For example, you might ask ATC for a block of airspace from 15,000 feet down to the MEA along your route. This gives you the flexibility to fly between those minimum altitudes and the altitude assigned in your cruise clearance. Once you begin your descent, make sure to inform ATC, as your top altitude will become the altitude you must maintain unless you request permission to climb above it again.
3. Putting Your Ego And Asking for a Delay Vector
Our final tip involves managing stress and keeping your ego in check. Imagine you’ve just executed a missed approach at your destination due to low ceilings. ATC informs you that the ILS approach has a decision altitude below the reported ceilings and instructs you to proceed to the initial approach fix. This is a high-stress scenario!
You’re juggling multiple tasks: managing a climb, pulling up a new approach plate, working the radios, and loading a new approach into your avionics—all while in IMC. Wouldn’t it be nice to just pause and take a breath?
Instead of rushing, consider asking for a delay vector. By communicating to ATC that you need additional time to set up for the approach, you can create a buffer for yourself. As long as you’re above the MVA and traffic conditions allow, ATC should be able to accommodate your request, giving you the time to breathe, set up, and brief the approach before proceeding.
The Importance of Communication
Remember, when you’re flying IFR, you’re still in charge of your aircraft, and you should feel comfortable asking for the help you need. Whether it’s a deviation from a previously issued instruction or requesting assistance in a stressful situation, ATC is there to help you. Effective communication is key to navigating the complexities of IFR flying.
Conclusion
In summary, as pilots, we must actively engage with ATC, especially during IFR flights. The three radio calls we discussed—requesting a descent to MVA, navigating turbulence with a block of airspace, and asking for delay vectors—are essential tools in our flying toolbox. By understanding how to communicate effectively and when to seek assistance, we can enhance our safety and the safety of those around us in the airspace system.
For more insights and detailed training, check out our online IFR ground school
Helpful article. The MVA trick is especially useful.
As far as delay vectors go a pilot can also ask for a vector in the general direction of where they will need to go, put the AP on NAV and ALT hold in that direction, then program as needed. In this case your workload is relieved and you are headed in the right direction.
Another thing I'd teach is that when you are on a delay vector or heading, or a hold for that matter, pull the power WAY back. No sense going faster and wasting gas and increasing workload when you are headed perhaps away from where you will be going.