"Stay with me..." frequency change.

lancie00

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lancie00
I went on a fishing trip this weekend and used flight following on a 350 mile cross country each way. Along the route I had a couple of "Remain with me and change frequency to 119.XX" Once I changed frequency, what is the correct radio call? I know "with you" is a hot button phrase but what should I say? "Bugsmasher 123 frequency change"? "Bugsmasher 123 on frequency"? Or should I say nothing and wait until they make contact again?
 
I went on a fishing trip this weekend and used flight following on a 350 mile cross country each way. Along the route I had a couple of "Remain with me and change frequency to 119.XX" Once I changed frequency, what is the correct radio call? I know "with you" is a hot button phrase but what should I say? "Bugsmasher 123 frequency change"? "Bugsmasher 123 on frequency"? Or should I say nothing and wait until they make contact again?

I say "Bugsmasher 123 on 119.XX."
 
I'm trying to understand the context that this was used in.

("Remain with me and change frequency to 119.XX") I'm not understanding that... Same controller but wanted you to check in on a different freq?

Nonetheless, nobody really cares if you say 'with you' when checking in with the next controller. Just say 'Cessna 123 is up on 119.xx'.
 
Yes, I think it is same controller but they want to change frequency. Perhaps movement to a new RCO or something like that?
 
All the controller wants to hear is your callsign on the new frequency. Nothing regulates what pilots say.

I'd say "Bugsmasher 123 level Y"
 
The controller is working two different sectors. You are about to go out of radio range and they want you to shift to one in your area. See that in Atlanta a lot on slow days/times. Bugsmasher 123 - level 4,500 is all I do.
 
I went on a fishing trip this weekend and used flight following on a 350 mile cross country each way. Along the route I had a couple of "Remain with me and change frequency to 119.XX" Once I changed frequency, what is the correct radio call? I know "with you" is a hot button phrase but what should I say? "Bugsmasher 123 frequency change"? "Bugsmasher 123 on frequency"? Or should I say nothing and wait until they make contact again?
As mentioned, commonly used when a controller is working combined sectors and you're leaving the freq range of the one you're on. I usually say, "N345 change to my frequency 119.xx". When I'm flying I usually change and then reply back, "N1BC up/with you 119.35". No real wrong answers here.

I've mentioned before but the "with you" hot button isn't with any controller I've ever met...and I know a lot. It's usually debated amongst pilots.
 
Why say anything? Did the controller ask you to check in? Why clutter up the airway with needless chatter. Verify the frequency, before you change, change to 119.35 and keep going. Same controller so its not like you need to introduce yourself again.

No new heading, no new instructions.
 
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Why say anything? Did the controller ask you to check in? Why clutter up the airway with needless chatter. Verify the frequency, before you change, change to 119.35 and keep going. Same controller so its not like you need to introduce yourself again.

No new heading, no new instructions.

I figure I need to acknowledge the instruction. Why not do it on the new frequency as @Radar Contact does? Two birds, one stone and all that.
 
All the controller wants to hear is your callsign on the new frequency. Nothing regulates what pilots say.

I'd say "Bugsmasher 123 level Y"
Add me to the group that does this.
 
Why say anything? Did the controller ask you to check in? Why clutter up the airway with needless chatter. Verify the frequency, before you change, change to 119.35 and keep going. Same controller so its not like you need to introduce yourself again.

No new heading, no new instructions.


Hear back, read back is great and all, but I don't see this as needless.
 
As mentioned, commonly used when a controller is working combined sectors and you're leaving the freq range of the one you're on. I usually say, "N345 change to my frequency 119.xx". When I'm flying I usually change and then reply back, "N1BC up/with you 119.35". No real wrong answers here.

I've mentioned before but the "with you" hot button isn't with any controller I've ever met...and I know a lot. It's usually debated amongst pilots.

I'm with you on that.
 
I figure I need to acknowledge the instruction. Why not do it on the new frequency as @Radar Contact does? Two birds, one stone and all that.

Meh, I guess I'm in the group that ALSO doesn't say something when the ATC asks for an Ident. I just hit the button. Why say "ident" before you do it? Or.."ping away"! Though that does sound fun...

They know you're going to do it.

Saying it again is the same thing as saying "still here". It's redundant to me. I will definitely confirm the frequency and change, but just don't see the point in saying "hi"
again if it's the same controller.
 
I guess you could also say something like: "Bugsmasher 123 is on 119.xx" or "Bugsmasher 123 is over to 119.xx"

There's this same Delta pilot who always does this: "Minnie Delta 1234 checkin' in......". I gotta say, it sounds good. Not sure if its because Minneapolis Approach/Center is just 'Minnie" or how smooth he does the whole damn thing!
 
I guess you could also say something like: "Bugsmasher 123 is on 119.xx" or "Bugsmasher 123 is over to 119.xx"

There's this same Delta pilot who always does this: "Minnie Delta 1234 checkin' in......". I gotta say, it sounds good. Not sure if its because Minneapolis Approach/Center is just 'Minnie" or how smooth he does the whole damn thing!

Yeah I can get on board with that. Confirm, readback the change, say you're changing and do it. No need to say it again once you get there..that's just over communication. What does that tell the controller if you've already said the frequency twice anyway when you are now on that frequency? That you know how to hit a toggle button on your com radio? Cmon now..
 
I've mentioned before but the "with you" hot button isn't with any controller I've ever met...and I know a lot. It's usually debated amongst pilots.

Yep. Pilots argue about things that controllers couldn't care less about or even think anything about.

Come to think about it I actually learned that from you watching your videos and hearing you say 'with you' all the time. :D
 
No need to say it again once you get there.

Just to confirm the switch was actually made? I'd think it would be important to acknowledge you actually made it over there. How else do they know, and how do you definitely know nothing has gone wrong during the switch until they've responded back?
 
Why say anything? Did the controller ask you to check in? Why clutter up the airway with needless chatter. Verify the frequency, before you change, change to 119.35 and keep going. Same controller so its not like you need to introduce yourself again.

No new heading, no new instructions.

You’re kidding right? He AND you, need to confirm you are both hearing each other. As stated previously, radio coverage isn’t forever. You loose him and can’t get him on the new frequency, well, I’d want to know we have each other, especially if over lousy terrain or at night.
 
I went on a fishing trip this weekend and used flight following on a 350 mile cross country each way. Along the route I had a couple of "Remain with me and change frequency to 119.XX" Once I changed frequency, what is the correct radio call? I know "with you" is a hot button phrase but what should I say? "Bugsmasher 123 frequency change"? "Bugsmasher 123 on frequency"? Or should I say nothing and wait until they make contact again?

Do say something so he knows you did it. On frequency is just fine. Over here now.
 
Yeah I can get on board with that. Confirm, readback the change, say you're changing and do it. No need to say it again once you get there..that's just over communication. What does that tell the controller if you've already said the frequency twice anyway when you are now on that frequency? That you know how to hit a toggle button on your com radio? Cmon now..
Maybe I should clarify as I didn't include the first readback. I think you could do it this way (one of many)

ATC: "Bugsmasher 123, XYZ Center, Remain with me and change frequency to 119.XX"
You: "119.xx Bugsmasher 123"
...you switch frequencies...
...you listen for a few second to not step on anyone...
You: "Bugsmasher 123 is on 119.xx"
 
You’re kidding right? He AND you, need to confirm you are both hearing each other. As stated previously, radio coverage isn’t forever. You loose him and can’t get him on the new frequency, well, I’d want to know we have each other, especially if over lousy terrain or at night.

You already confirmed you heard him and he's confirmed you heard the frequency correctly before you made the change (no corrections). He heard you both times. Now you're going to say "I'm here"? As if there was any doubt from the first two times you confirmed it? You aren't providing a service to other pilots by reading it back, or him. Same reason I think "with you" is a stupid phrase.

The "only" reason I can see a need to check in is when you are changing controllers or you receive some additional instruction that you need to confirm in addition to the change. Such as "change to 119.xx, fly heading 260". At which point I would readback Bugsmasher 123 switching to 119.xx, heading 260. And then I would verify once changing "Bugsmasher 123, heading 260". That means something to other pilots, it means something to him too because he knows you are on a 260 heading now. Saying your callsign again with no applicable changes to anything is a waste of a transmission. Also, there's a possibility ATC folks may take that as the start of a request.

Bugsmasher 123, say request.

Does ATC regularly give instructions that they expect will not be followed? Why after reading back the frequency twice (correctly) would you assume the aircraft isn't on that frequency?
 
ATC: "Bugsmasher 123, XYZ Center, Remain with me and change frequency to 119.XX"
You: "119.xx Bugsmasher 123"
...you switch frequencies...
...you listen for a few second to not step on anyone...
You: "Bugsmasher 123 is on 119.xx"
I basically wrote that exact thing, thence deleted it after seeing your response. That's exactly what I do

For some reason I always feel extra COOL when I do that! Although what they say around here is "change to my frequency XXX.XX"
 
Why say anything?
I guess you don't HAVE to... strictly speaking.. but in my experience, when this happens:
  • the airspace is dead so one else talking.. what's the harm in checking in
  • maybe you misheard
  • maybe you mis-dialed
  • maybe he was a little overzealous and you can't yet hear other on that new frequency
Seems the "risks" of not checking in are far greater than... than what really?
 
If you’re a regular customer and you know it’s coming you could have the new freq loaded and cocked and check in on the new freq without even acknowledging the frequency change in the first place.
 
You already confirmed you heard him and he's confirmed you heard the frequency correctly before you made the change (no corrections). He heard you both times. Now you're going to say "I'm here"? As if there was any doubt from the first two times you confirmed it? You aren't providing a service to other pilots by reading it back, or him. Same reason I think "with you" is a stupid phrase.

The "only" reason I can see a need to check in is when you are changing controllers or you receive some additional instruction that you need to confirm in addition to the change. Such as "change to 119.xx, fly heading 260". At which point I would readback Bugsmasher 123 switching to 119.xx, heading 260. And then I would verify once changing "Bugsmasher 123, heading 260". That means something to other pilots, it means something to him too because he knows you are on a 260 heading now. Saying your callsign again with no applicable changes to anything is a waste of a transmission. Also, there's a possibility ATC folks may take that as the start of a request.

Bugsmasher 123, say request.

Does ATC regularly give instructions that they expect will not be followed? Why after reading back the frequency twice (correctly) would you assume the aircraft isn't on that frequency?

Because until you make the call on the new frequency and he confirms you can never be sure nothing happened on the way over per @Tantalum. It's just common sense for the reasons he stated.
 
Here's something I "could do" as an alternative. Just switch and verify on the new frequency, @luvflyin beat me to it :). Confirm on the new frequency and don't even say anything on the old one.

Bugsmasher 123 up on 119.xx.

My point is wasted words :).

When you are given a heading change, do you say turning heading 260 and then confirm when you are on 260 again on frequency? Or do you just do it and confirm when you're doing it? One transmission, not three..
 
If you’re a regular customer and you know it’s coming you could have the new freq loaded and cocked and check in on the new freq without even acknowledging the frequency change in the first place.
that would be a proper Jedi mind trick.. imagine initiating all your own hand offs "Socal bugmasher 123 is switching to XXX.XX, have a nice day"
 
As mentioned, commonly used when a controller is working combined sectors and you're leaving the freq range of the one you're on. I usually say, "N345 change to my frequency 119.xx". When I'm flying I usually change and then reply back, "N1BC up/with you 119.35". No real wrong answers here.

I've mentioned before but the "with you" hot button isn't with any controller I've ever met...and I know a lot. It's usually debated amongst pilots.

Amen to that. When I returned to flying after about 25 years away and about 8 years after retiring from ATC that was a big deal. The CFI checking me out told me all about how ‘with you’ was uncool now. So I quit saying it. Only to find out later it was all about some funny ‘with you’ post on some site like this, maybe it was POA, that went viral.

EDIT: This is overly critical and snarky. My bad. Read on
 
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Here's something I "could do" as an alternative. Just switch and verify on the new frequency, @luvflyin beat me to it :). Confirm on the new frequency and don't even say anything on the old one.

Bugsmasher 123 up on 119.xx.

My point is wasted words :).

When you are given a heading change, do you say turning heading 260 and then confirm when you are on 260 again on frequency? Or do you just do it and confirm when you're doing it? One transmission, not three..

I know everything you are thinking, type faster and have faster internet.:D
 
Controller: 37L change to my frequency 123.45
Me: over to you on 123.45
Change freq
Me: Memphis center 37L 7k.
Controller: 37L roger, Memphis altimeter 29.92.
Me: 29.92 37L.

Done now until something changes. This takes all of 30 seconds total anyway so no cluttering of the airways.
 
You already confirmed you heard him and he's confirmed you heard the frequency correctly before you made the change (no corrections). He heard you both times. Now you're going to say "I'm here"? As if there was any doubt from the first two times you confirmed it? You aren't providing a service to other pilots by reading it back, or him. Same reason I think "with you" is a stupid phrase.

The "only" reason I can see a need to check in is when you are changing controllers or you receive some additional instruction that you need to confirm in addition to the change. Such as "change to 119.xx, fly heading 260". At which point I would readback Bugsmasher 123 switching to 119.xx, heading 260. And then I would verify once changing "Bugsmasher 123, heading 260". That means something to other pilots, it means something to him too because he knows you are on a 260 heading now. Saying your callsign again with no applicable changes to anything is a waste of a transmission. Also, there's a possibility ATC folks may take that as the start of a request.

Bugsmasher 123, say request.

Does ATC regularly give instructions that they expect will not be followed? Why after reading back the frequency twice (correctly) would you assume the aircraft isn't on that frequency?
I am pretty sure if you first acknowledged that you were switching and then switched and then didn't tell them, in about 2 minutes you will hear them calling you to see if you are still on. I know from first hand stupidity. Just yesterday coming back from the fly in I read back the correct frequency but forgot to dial it in all the way before switching. After about 40 seconds of scratching my head I figured it out. About 10 second after I figured it out they called me looking for me before I could check in. So no matter what I think you should tell them that you are on the expected new frequency. I would think your just telling them once you switched would also work since its the same controller.
 
Amen to that. When I returned to flying after about 25 years away and about 8 years after retiring from ATC that was a big deal. The CFI checking me out told me all about how ‘with you’ was uncool now. So I quit saying it. Only to find out later it was all about some funny ‘with you’ post on some site like this, maybe it was POA, went viral.
There were some threads on Avsig years ago in which some controllers said that "with you" was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Sounds like it's no longer regarded that way.
 
Kinda makes we want to start using "With You" just to drive the last 32 pilots and 6 controllers out there nuts when the other 100,000 don't care. Hell, the "With You" rant was probably started by a jaded Embry Riddle CFI who's 25 unhappy students thought it was gospel and its spread all over the country :)
 
Kinda makes we want to start using "With You" just to drive the last 32 pilots and 6 controllers out there nuts when the other 100,000 don't care. Hell, the "With You" rant was probably started by a jaded Embry Riddle CFI who's 25 unhappy students thought it was gospel and its spread all over the country :)

I think it would actually be pretty comical to take a flight and use all of the crappy terminology at once.

ATC, Bugsmasher 123, ready for blastoff runway 32

Bugsmasher 123, traffic at 12 o clock 2 miles, report in site
Bugsmasher 123, Tally Ho.

Bugsmasher 123 change to 121.45
Bugsmasher 123, with you

etc...just leave a trail of bad practices and broken standards...
 
There were some threads on Avsig years ago in which some controllers said that "with you" was like fingernails on a chalkboard. Sounds like it's no longer regarded that way.

That could be true. I shouldn’t have been so harsh. For all I know that’s what led to the ‘viral’ post I was talking about above. I don’t say it much anymore because I got out of the habit when it was a thang. But I didn’t know any Controllers, and I to knew a lot, like hundreds, that were all that annoyed by it. To me It’s just a do what you wanna do thing anymore. I edited my post above and called myself out for being snarky
 
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That could be true. I shouldn’t have been so harsh. For all I know that’s what led to the ‘viral’ post I was talking about above. I don’t say it much anymore because I got out of the habit when it was a thang. But I didn’t know any Controllers, and I to knew a lot, like hundreds, that were annoyed by it. To me It’s just a do what you wanna do thing anymore. I edited my post above and called myself out for being snarky
I didn't see anything snarky in your post.
 
For anyone who wants to see it, it’s 4-2-3 d. 2.

That's so boring. Why would anyone read the manual if you can re-invent the wheel.


2. At times, a controller/specialist may be working a sector with multiple frequency assignments. In order to eliminate unnecessary verbiage and to free the controller/specialist for higher priority transmissions, the controller/specialist may request the pilot “(Identification), change to my frequency 123.4.” This phrase should alert the pilot that the controller/specialist is only changing frequencies, not controller/specialist, and that initial callup phraseology may be abbreviated.

“United Two Twenty−Two on one two three point four”
or
“one two three point four, United Two Twenty−Two.”
 
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