VFR Approach Control Service

AIM ¶ 4-1-8 — VFR Approach Control Service

AIM 4-1-8 explains approach control service for VFR arriving aircraft: landing info, ATIS, traffic advisories, and tower handoff. Study guide for pilot students.

In Plain English

AIM 4-1-8 describes a voluntary program where VFR pilots arriving at certain airports can contact approach control for landing information before reaching the tower. It's a recommended practice — not a regulatory requirement — but participation is encouraged.

On initial contact, approach will provide:

Wind
Runway in use
Altimeter setting

If the ATIS is current, you can shorten the exchange by stating the ATIS code, and controllers will skip the items already broadcast. Note that saying "have numbers" does not confirm ATIS receipt — use the phonetic ATIS letter instead.

Controllers will also issue traffic advisories on a workload-permitting basis and will hand you off to the tower at a predetermined time or point for further landing information.

Key operational points:

The service is not mandatory — but it improves situational awareness and traffic separation.
It will not cause excessive spacing or routing penalties.
The service depends on ATC radar and is unavailable during radar outages.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-1-8

4-1-8. 4-1-8. Approach Control Service for VFR Arriving Aircraft Numerous approach control facilities have established programs for arriving VFR aircraft to contact approach control for landing information. This information includes: wind, runway, and altimeter setting at the airport of intended landing. This information may be omitted if contained in the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) broadcast and the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code. NOTE- Pilot use of “have numbers” does not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast. In addition, the controller will provide traffic advisories on a workload permitting basis. Such information will be furnished upon initial contact with concerned approach control facility. The pilot will be requested to change to the tower frequency at a predetermined time or point, to receive further landing information. Where available, use of this procedure will not hinder the operation of VFR flights by requiring excessive spacing between aircraft or devious routing. Compliance with this procedure is not mandatory but pilot participation is encouraged. REFERENCE- AIM, Para 4-1-18 , Terminal Radar Services for VFR Aircraft. NOTE- Approach control services for VFR aircraft are normally dependent on ATC radar. These services are not available during periods of a radar outage.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What landing information does approach control provide to VFR arriving aircraft on initial contact?

Per AIM 4-1-8, approach control provides wind, runway, and altimeter setting at the airport of intended landing. These items may be omitted if the pilot states the appropriate ATIS code indicating receipt of the current broadcast.

Q2Does using the phrase "have numbers" indicate that you have received the ATIS broadcast?

No. Per the note in AIM 4-1-8, pilot use of "have numbers" does not indicate receipt of the ATIS broadcast. Pilots should state the specific ATIS code letter to confirm they have the current information.

Q3Is participation in approach control service for VFR arrivals mandatory, and when might it be unavailable?

Per AIM 4-1-8, compliance is not mandatory but pilot participation is encouraged. The service is normally dependent on ATC radar and is not available during periods of a radar outage.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4

¶ 4-1-1

Air Route Traffic Control Centers

¶ 4-1-10

CTAF IFR Approach Procedures

¶ 4-1-11

UNICOM/MULTICOM Frequencies