On which request do you add "information X"

[Michael Olsen]

I'm preparing myself for the first VATSIM flight. I understand that one should inform ATC about the ATIS version using the "INFORMATION <letter>", but on which request? Several articles mention "first call to tower", but is it "tower" or can it also be done at the intial call to clerance or ground?

[Trevor Hannant]

First call for clearance

[Michael Olsen]

Thanx .... 

 

[Reinhard Ziegler]

In most cases, it makes sense to add the ATIS letter on arrival too.

For example: I was flying LOWK-EHRD yesterday. LOVV_CTR sent me to unicom and next Center Controller was EHAA.

Over Belgium, I checked the latest EHRD ATIS and on initial contact with EHAA_CTR, I called in like "TUI1547, FL380, Rotterdam ATIS info Sierra, request descend".

So the ATC knows that he doesn't need to tell me which RWY is active for arrival.

Edited November 20, 2022 at 07:32 AM by Reinhard Ziegler

[Martijn Rammeloo]

On 11/20/2022 at 8:32 AM, Reinhard Ziegler said:

In most cases, it makes sense to add the ATIS letter on arrival too.

For example: I was flying LOWK-EHRD yesterday. LOVV_CTR sent me to unicom and next Center Controller was EHAA.

Over Belgium, I checked the latest EHRD ATIS and on initial contact with EHAA_CTR, I called in like "TUI1547, FL380, Rotterdam ATIS info Sierra, request descend".

So the ATC knows that he doesn't need to tell me which RWY is active for arrival.

However... (at least in EHAA airspace) CTR does not assign runways, APP does. That is why CTR tells you to _expect_ runway XX. So, no need to mention ATIS to CTR on initial contact. Callsign + flightlevel will suffice, as per AIP.

(Obviously, topdown procedures can make things a bit more obscure, but still..)

Edited November 21, 2022 at 10:01 PM by Martijn Rammeloo

[Robert Shearman Jr]

In my own practice:

1) during my initial call for clearance;

2) when ready to taxi for departure;

3) when arriving in the terminal airspace at my destination (i.e. being handed from Center to Approach).

[Kirk Christie]

On 11/18/2022 at 12:15 AM, Trevor Hannant said:

First call for clearance

Depends on the location, for example some places are on "first contact with ground or approach" Typically you would get your clearance from DEL (excluding VATSIM topdownisims) defiantly in Australia it's when you call for taxi. 

Edited December 3, 2022 at 07:17 AM by Kirk Christie

[Don Desfosse]

On 11/26/2022 at 9:53 AM, Robert Shearman Jr said:

3) when arriving in the terminal airspace at my destination (i.e. being handed from Center to Approach).

To add, in a top-down situation, at least in the US, if Center is handling Approach duties, you would normally let Center know when about 50NM from destination (simulating you reporting it to your Approach controller).

 

15 hours ago, Kirk Christie said:

... some places are on "fist contact with ground or approach" ...

We're actually (at least usually) a calm, civilized community....  I believe that to be a typo...  Should have likely said "first contact"... 😉😉😉