What was controller implying??

Steven,
It is a standard question where I fly. Many pilots do not want to admit
or do not have the time to admit they are having a problem. They ask so
they can be of assistance if necessary.
Michelle

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"Michelle P" wrote in message
ink.net...


Standard question. I have changed my destination several times on IFR
flight plans and have always been asked.




Regardless how many times you've been asked, it's not a standard question.





--

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

Steven,
It is a standard question where I fly. Many pilots do not want to admit
or do not have the time to admit they are having a problem. They ask so
they can be of assistance if necessary.
Michelle

Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"Michelle P" wrote in message
ink.net...


Standard question. I have changed my destination several times on IFR
flight plans and have always been asked.




Regardless how many times you've been asked, it's not a standard question.





--

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

"Michelle P" wrote in message
link.net...

It is a standard question where I fly. Many pilots do not want to admit
or do not have the time to admit they are having a problem. They ask so
they can be of assistance if necessary.


That which is standard is found in FAA Order 7110.65.

Bill J wrote in message ...
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??"

First I'd just like to comment that you don't have to leave it
to 5 miles out. If wx is closing in and you want a vector to
the approach, ask for it all. Say "I need to divert to xxx due
to deteriorating weather, request immediate descent to yyy altitude
and vectors to final approach course for zz approach"

Of course, the ATC facility in question may not be able to give
you vectors.

Second just as another data point, we were flying from the St Louis
area to HOT last weekend, and overheard someone asking KC Center to
amend their destination to KC Downtown. The controller came back
with "we're required to put down a reason for any change", the pilot
responded "Downtown has better weather" and apparently that sufficed.

So now I'm wondering if there's some new security procedure where
ATC is required to play TSA Cop and regard pilot requests to change
destination as potential security breaches which must have a good
reason? (as if someone intent on harm can't equip himself with a
plausible-sounding good reason)

Any ATCS know?

Cheers,
Sydney

"Snowbird" wrote in message
om...
Bill J wrote in message
...
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??"

First I'd just like to comment that you don't have to leave it
to 5 miles out. If wx is closing in and you want a vector to
the approach, ask for it all. Say "I need to divert to xxx due
to deteriorating weather, request immediate descent to yyy altitude
and vectors to final approach course for zz approach"

Of course, the ATC facility in question may not be able to give
you vectors.

Second just as another data point, we were flying from the St Louis
area to HOT last weekend, and overheard someone asking KC Center to
amend their destination to KC Downtown. The controller came back
with "we're required to put down a reason for any change", the pilot
responded "Downtown has better weather" and apparently that sufficed.

So now I'm wondering if there's some new security procedure where
ATC is required to play TSA Cop and regard pilot requests to change
destination as potential security breaches which must have a good
reason? (as if someone intent on harm can't equip himself with a
plausible-sounding good reason)

Any ATCS know?

There are no new security procedures with regards to GA IFR changes of
destination.

Chip, ZTL

"Chip Jones" wrote in message
ink.net...

There are no new security procedures with regards to GA IFR changes of
destination.


Interesting. We have heard that now from two or three controllers. But we
have also heard from one pilot that he was explicitly told that the
controllers were required to ask for the reason for any change of
destination, and , well I haven't gone back through the thread to verify,
but my recollection is that several pilots have reported being queried about
the reason for a change recently, and that it represented a departure from
their prior experience.

I wonder if this is perhaps a local policy at certain ATC facilities? And
it it is, I wonder in response to what?

Stan

"Stan Prevost" wrote in message
...

"Chip Jones" wrote in message
ink.net...

There are no new security procedures with regards to GA IFR changes of
destination.


Interesting. We have heard that now from two or three controllers. But
we
have also heard from one pilot that he was explicitly told that the
controllers were required to ask for the reason for any change of
destination, and , well I haven't gone back through the thread to verify,
but my recollection is that several pilots have reported being queried
about
the reason for a change recently, and that it represented a departure from
their prior experience.

I wonder if this is perhaps a local policy at certain ATC facilities? And
it it is, I wonder in response to what?

Might it not be as simple as controllers looking help pilots. It is the most
obvious reason. It is their job after all.

cb

"CB" wrote in message
...

Interesting. We have heard that now from two or three controllers. But
we
have also heard from one pilot that he was explicitly told that the
controllers were required to ask for the reason for any change of
destination, and , well I haven't gone back through the thread to verify,
but my recollection is that several pilots have reported being queried
about
the reason for a change recently, and that it represented a departure
from
their prior experience.

I wonder if this is perhaps a local policy at certain ATC facilities?
And
it it is, I wonder in response to what?


Might it not be as simple as controllers looking help pilots. It is the
most obvious reason. It is their job after all.


Say again?

"CB" wrote in message
...


Might it not be as simple as controllers looking help pilots. It is the
most
obvious reason.

That would be a good reason for an individual controller asking a question
in a helpful vein. But that would not be institutionalized into controllers
being required to ask, as has been reported.

Stan

"Chip Jones" wrote in message link.net...
"Snowbird" wrote in message
om...

Second just as another data point, we were flying from the St Louis
area to HOT last weekend, and overheard someone asking KC Center to
amend their destination to KC Downtown. The controller came back
with "we're required to put down a reason for any change", the pilot
responded "Downtown has better weather" and apparently that sufficed.

There are no new security procedures with regards to GA IFR changes of
destination.

Hmmm, I guess that begs the question then: has there always been a
requirement to note a reason for a change in destination?

If not, any ideas at all what the ZKC guy was talking about? Could
it be some facility-specific procedure?

Cheers,
Sydney