Bill,
Standard question. I have changed my destination several times on IFR
flight plans and have always been asked. The concern usually seems to be
they want to know if I need assistance. They were concerned an
urgent/emergency situation is developing. A simple reply "weather" would
surfice.

Once I had and "Emergency" in IFR. I lost my alternator in IMC over West
Virginia. I relayed this info to the controller and everyone on the
frequency starting telling me a specific airport to go to. This airport
happened to be close to my route and ahead. I requested a new
destination and was granted. Within 10 minutes the frequency was very
quiet. So quiet I became concerned I had lost my comm radio. I called
the controller and he re-assured me he was still there and that he had
passed off everyone else to another controller and frequency. I landed
safely. Another time I merely had to pee so bad I had a hard time
thinking strait. :-} The controller got a good laugh from that one.
Michelle

Bill J wrote:

Yesterday I was on an IFR flight about 50 miles from destination. The
area was getting covered with TS, including my alternate 20 miles
futher west. Home base was 150 mi to the east. I realized I might have
to reverse course to escape, but did not have enough fuel to get home
for sure.

So, the last chance to land before the TS got heavy was coming close.
When about 15 miles from this new "alternate" I told controller I
wanted to change destination. I expect a vector to the final, and I
was needing to start descent. Nothing happened. Finally when maybe 5
miles out, and way to close to get a vector, controller quizzed me
with "I need to know what is the reason for the change in destination??"

From the tone of voice I could tell I caused him a problem. The
traffic was not heavy. I have never had anyone question a change like
that. When over the airport VMC opened up briefly, I cancelled and
landed. Wondering what might have caused the query.


--

Michelle P ATP-ASEL, CP-AMEL, and AMT-A&P

"Elisabeth" a Maule M-7-235B (no two are alike)

Volunteer Pilot, Angel Flight Mid-Atlantic

Volunteer Builder, Habitat for Humanity