When to acknowledge ATC

"Peter R." wrote in message
...
Newps wrote:

In the past, I've acknowledged such things if the controller was not
busy. But I've heard all kinds. Some people read back the altimeter
setting.

Worst of the bunch.

Tough cookies. You're getting it read back because that's my memory
aid.

It's better than just a memory aid (though that's useful too). A readback
of information like that is critical to air safety. No big deal if you get
the last digit wrong, but if you mess up something to the left of the
decimal, that's serious business. Best to check and make sure you heard it
right the first time.

A controller that thinks it's dumb to read back the altimeter setting is
probably not even listening to the readback. Obviously in that situation,
the readback is useless. But other controllers aren't so inconsiderate.

Of course, as the FAA has recently decided, if ATC fails to correct an
incorrect readback, the pilot is still to blame for whatever happens
subsequently. It's no wonder at least one controller has such a blasé
attitude about the issue. He's safe, dumb, and happy sitting in his chair,
while the pilot takes all the risk.

Pete

"Peter Duniho" wrote in message
...

It's better than just a memory aid (though that's useful too). A readback
of information like that is critical to air safety. No big deal if you
get the last digit wrong, but if you mess up something to the left of the
decimal, that's serious business. Best to check and make sure you heard
it right the first time.


Altimeter settings don't tend to vary a great deal from one controller to
the next. If you're issued one that differs by more than a few points from
the previous then it's a good idea to check on it.



Of course, as the FAA has recently decided, if ATC fails to correct an
incorrect readback, the pilot is still to blame for whatever happens
subsequently.


The FAA never made any decision like that or changed the requirements for
controllers to verify readbacks.

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

Altimeter settings don't tend to vary a great deal from one controller to
the next. If you're issued one that differs by more than a few points from
the previous then it's a good idea to check on it.

I rarely get an altimeter setting from a controller anyway. I make a point of
picking up the setting from AWOS stations in flight and from ATIS before arrival
or departure. As long as you tell the controller you have the ATIS, about the
only time they'll give you the setting is as a gentle notice that you don't seem
to be flying at the altitude at which you're supposed to be.

George Patterson
There's plenty of room for all of God's creatures. Right next to the
mashed potatoes.

"George Patterson"

Altimeter settings don't tend to vary a great deal from one controller to
the next. If you're issued one that differs by more than a few points
from the previous then it's a good idea to check on it.

I rarely get an altimeter setting from a controller anyway. I make a point
of picking up the setting from AWOS stations in flight and from ATIS
before arrival or departure. As long as you tell the controller you have
the ATIS, about the only time they'll give you the setting is as a gentle
notice that you don't seem to be flying at the altitude at which you're
supposed to be.

No. They give you an altimeter setting almost every time you enter the
space they're working on initial contact. The point of this is that it
results in all aircraft in close proximity showing near identical altimeter
readings. You should also give the controller your altitude when you're
level after any change. Where do you fly where ATC doesn't give you the
setting on initial contact?

moo

Happy Dog wrote:

snip
Where do you fly where ATC doesn't give you the
setting on initial contact?

Almost every class B, C or D airport that I fly into. If on my
initial call, I give them the proper ATIS code (and the setting hasn't
changed). They have no reason to tell me (and everyone else) the
altimeter setting on initial contact. That's why ATIS was invented.
It reduces frequency congestion.

John Galban=====N4BQ (PA28-180)

"John Galban" wrote in
Where do you fly where ATC doesn't give you the
setting on initial contact?

Almost every class B, C or D airport that I fly into.

So you're speaking almost exclusively about towers? That I can see. If the
ATIS is good, no need for the altimeter setting. Other than towers, you
should almost always be getting a setting on initial contact.

moo

Happy Dog wrote:

So you're speaking almost exclusively about towers? That I can see. If the
ATIS is good, no need for the altimeter setting. Other than towers, you
should almost always be getting a setting on initial contact.

Uh .... Just where do you fly that has an ATIS and *doesn't* have a tower?

George Patterson
There's plenty of room for all of God's creatures. Right next to the
mashed potatoes.

Happy Dog wrote:

Where do you fly where ATC doesn't give you the
setting on initial contact?

I can't recall getting one from TYS anytime I've mentioned having listened to
the ATIS.

George Patterson
There's plenty of room for all of God's creatures. Right next to the
mashed potatoes.

"George Patterson"
Where do you fly where ATC doesn't give you the
setting on initial contact?

I can't recall getting one from TYS anytime I've mentioned having listened
to the ATIS.

As I clarified in another post, other than towers.

moo

"George Patterson" wrote in message
news:vaNee.26$Ws6.6@trndny07...

I rarely get an altimeter setting from a controller anyway. I make a point
of picking up the setting from AWOS stations in flight and from ATIS
before arrival or departure. As long as you tell the controller you have
the ATIS, about the only time they'll give you the setting is as a gentle
notice that you don't seem to be flying at the altitude at which you're
supposed to be.


Yup, if you choose not to talk to controllers you won't be getting altimeter
settings from them. But if you fly IFR or use flight following you'll get
an altimeter setting when you check in with a new controller.