VFR Enroute Procedures
The following items are important to remember regarding enroute VFR operations
Monitoring and Broadcasting on 126.7 MHz and Position Reporting
Pilots operating VFR en route in uncontrolled airspace when not communicating on an MF, or an ATF, or VFR on an airway should continuously monitor 126.7 MHz and whenever practicable, broadcast their identification, position, altitude and intentions on this frequency to alert other VFR or IFR aircraft that may be in the vicinity. Although it is not mandatory to monitor 126.7 MHz and broadcast reports during VFR or VFR-OTT flights, pilots are encouraged to do so for their own protection. Pilots are encouraged to make position reports on the appropriate FISE frequency to a FIC where they are recorded by the flight service specialist and are immediately available in the event of SAR action.
Acknowledgement of Clearances
Pilots of VFR flights shall read back the text of an ATC clearance when requested by an ATC unit.
Altitudes and Flight Levels
Aircraft shall be operated at altitudes or flight levels appropriate to the direction of flight when in level cruising flight above 3,000 feet AGL.
Minimum Altitudes Over Built Up Areas
Except where conducting a takeoff, approach or landing, no person shall operate an aircraft over a built-up area or over an open-air assembly of persons unless the aircraft is operated at an altitude from which, in the event of an emergency necessitating an immediate landing, it would be possible to land the aircraft without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface, and, in any case, at an altitude that is not lower than for aeroplanes, 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 2,000 feet from the aeroplane.
Minimum Altitudes Over Aerodromes
Unless otherwise authorized by the appropriate air traffic control unit, no pilot-in-command shall operate an aircraft at a height of less than 2,000 feet over an aerodrome except for the purpose of landing or taking off.
Enroute Radar Surveillance
When operating in areas where radar coverage exists, VFR flights with transponder equipped aircraft may request radar traffic information. ATC will provide this information, traffic (or workload) permitting.
Controlled Visual Flight Rules (CVFR)
Pilots intending to fly CVFR shall file a flight plan and obtain an ATC clearance prior to entering Class B airspace. The ATC clearance will not normally be issued prior to takeoff unless the airspace within a control zone is Class B. The ATC clearance will normally be issued upon receipt of a position report filed by the pilot upon reaching the last 1,000 feet altitude below the base of Class B or before entering laterally. This procedure is intended to ensure that the radio equipment is operating and to remind the pilots that, while outside of Class B airspace, ATC separation is not provided and that they must maintain a vigilant watch for other traffic. The ATC clearance will contain the phrase “MAINTAIN (altitude) VFR”. CVFR flights must be conducted in accordance with procedures designed for use by IFR flights, except when IFR weather conditions are encountered, the pilot of a CVFR flight must avoid such weather conditions.