Dealing
With ATC:
Updates, Cheat Sheets, & More
The methods for dealing with ATC and the ADIZ/FRZ airspace keep changing, and we're doing our best to keep things sorted out. This is the place for the latest news & hints.
8/24/2004-We've heard from lots of pilots who've had problems getting "cleared" into the airspace. After a lot of discussion with the procedures folks at the tracon, here's what we think we know:
First, there's no such thing as a clearance into the ADIZ or the FRZ as far as ATC is concerned. That's because under a clearance they have to do certain things, including the providing of separation. The controllers don't want to be bound to that, although generally they'll tell you about conflicting traffic if they see it and have time. But, they don't have to as long as you're not on a clearance.
The same thing applies if the controller says "radar contact." From that point on, he's required to provide separation. Again, they don't want to have to do that, so while they're going to look for you on radar they're going to do their best to avoid saying those two little words.
The requirements for the ADIZ are that (1) you're talking to them, (2) you're filed, and (3) you've been given a code. For the FRZ, you've got to be in a based or otherwise authorized aircraft, and you have to have a PIN. That's it. You don't need to hear the words "cleared into..." In fact, from what the tracon is telling us, once you've satisfied those conditions you can proceed unless you're told otherwise by the controller.
Generally, what they're going to tell you is to proceed on your own navigation, or proceed as requested, or something like that. They're probably going to tell you to remain clear of class B airspace. The important thing is not to ask them if you're "cleared" into the ADIZ or FRZ, because then the controller is going to go through a bunch of weasel words to try to tell you to proceed without one.
Please also be aware of where you are and where you want to go as far as airspace is concerned. If you're going between us and College Park, for example, being told to remain clear of class B means you've got to go along the east side of Andrews. On the other hand, if they are not that specific you can ask for direct which usually works, and then you should also hear the words "cleared into the class B". That means they'll provide separation.
Very Important:
The only way we can get problems with ATC and FSS fixed is for you to report them. See the ATC Complaint Department page to get in touch with the right folks on the government side. But please tell us too. We'll follow up with the right people, compare your issue to other pilots' experiences, and if something needs to get changed or clarified we'll work with the appropriate people on it and then get the word out. The bottom line is that if we don't know, we can't help. Click Here to tell us about it. (It will help to have the date, time, tail# and frequency if applicable.) In particular, we need to know about problems with getting back into the ADIZ or Hyde when you filed properly.