AIM ¶ 4-2-14 — VFR FSS Communications
AIM 4-2-14 explains FSS frequencies for VFR flights, the common 122.2 MHz en route frequency, proper initial callup, and monitoring VOR broadcasts.
In Plain English
AIM 4-2-14 covers how VFR pilots should communicate with Flight Service Stations (FSS) and Supplemental Weather Service Locations (SWSL) while en route.
Key points:
- FSSs use different frequencies for different functions. For example, certain Alaska FSSs provide Local Airport Advisory on 123.6 MHz (or other frequencies listed in the Chart Supplement).
- If you don't know which frequency to use, 122.2 MHz is the common en route simplex frequency assigned to most FSSs.
- On initial callup, state both the frequency you're using and your aircraft location to expedite communications.
- Example: "Dayton Radio, November One Two Three Four Five, on one two two point two, over Springfield VOR, over."
- Some VOR voice channels carry recorded broadcasts like ATIS. These are listed in the Chart Supplement, and VFR pilots are urged to monitor them.
- If you're already talking to a control facility and plan to leave the frequency to monitor a broadcast, notify the controller first.
This is recommended practice for efficient two-way communications, not a regulatory mandate, but DPEs expect pilots to know it cold.
AIM Source Text
FAA AIM ¶ 4-2-144-2-14. 4-2-14. Communications for VFR Flights
FSSs and Supplemental Weather Service Locations (SWSL) are allocated frequencies for different functions; for example, in Alaska, certain FSSs provide Local Airport Advisory on 123.6 MHz or other frequencies which can be found in the Chart Supplement. If you are in doubt as to what frequency to use, 122.2 MHz is assigned to the majority of FSSs as a common en route simplex frequency. NOTE- In order to expedite communications, state the frequency being used and the aircraft location during initial callup. EXAMPLE- Dayton radio, November One Two Three Four Five on one two two point two, over Springfield V-O-R, over. Certain VOR voice channels are being utilized for recorded broadcasts; for example, ATIS. These services and appropriate frequencies are listed in the Chart Supplement. On VFR flights, pilots are urged to monitor these frequencies. When in contact with a control facility, notify the controller if you plan to leave the frequency to monitor these broadcasts. Previous | Top | Next AIM | ATPUBS | FAA | Send your comments regarding this website.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If you're unsure which FSS frequency to use en route, what frequency should you try?
Per AIM 4-2-14, 122.2 MHz is assigned to the majority of FSSs as a common en route simplex frequency and should be used when in doubt.
Q2What information should you include on your initial callup to an FSS to expedite communications?
Per AIM 4-2-14, state the frequency being used and the aircraft's location during initial callup — for example, 'Dayton Radio, November One Two Three Four Five, on one two two point two, over Springfield VOR, over.'
Q3If you're talking with a control facility and want to monitor a recorded VOR broadcast like ATIS, what should you do first?
Per AIM 4-2-14, notify the controller that you plan to leave the frequency before tuning away to monitor the broadcast.
Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4