Verify You Are VFR

[fholbert]

I seem to get this a lot lately but only from Center. I'm VFR at 12,500, been airborne for 45 minutes. It's clear and 50 miles. All airports within 100 miles are reporting clear and 10 or better. SoCal hands me off to LA Center.

me: LA Center Bellanca 4201B 12,500

center: N4201B LA Center, Santa Barbara altimeter 29.92. Verify VFR.

Where is this Verify VFR coming from? I don't see it in the 7110.65. Like I said I only get it from centers.

Frank Holbert
http://160knots.com

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[davolijj]

I'm guessing it's either a new facility directive or possibly an automation issue between SCT and ZLA (like a VFR flight plan showing an assigned IFR altitude in host).  I'm just guessing here because I'm not familiar with SCT or ZLA or their procedures.  What I can tell you is that generally controllers only make the transmissions they are required to make, so I can't really see anyone using this verbage gratuitously.  And the fact that you've heard it several times indicates to me that it's more than just a coincidence.

[fholbert]

I'm guessing it's either a new facility directive or possibly an automation issue between SCT and ZLA (like a VFR flight plan showing an assigned IFR altitude in host).  I'm just guessing here because I'm not familiar with SCT or ZLA or their procedures.  What I can tell you is that generally controllers only make the transmissions they are required to make, so I can't really see anyone using this verbage gratuitously.  And the fact that you've heard it several times indicates to me that it's more than just a coincidence.

Or a regional directive. It used to be your region had to say Check Wheels Down like the military controllers.

[tyketto]

I seem to get this a lot lately but only from Center. I'm VFR at 12,500, been airborne for 45 minutes. It's clear and 50 miles. All airports within 100 miles are reporting clear and 10 or better. SoCal hands me off to LA Center.

me: LA Center Bellanca 4201B 12,500

center: N4201B LA Center, Santa Barbara altimeter 29.92. Verify VFR.

Where is this Verify VFR coming from? I don't see it in the 7110.65. Like I said I only get it from centers.

Frank Holbert
http://160knots.com

Question. Did you request flight following to SBA? If not, that could play a part in why they asked. You're right; it isn't in the .65. What makes it worse, is that if you were being handed to ZLA from SCT, they should have known from the handoff, let alone the notes in the scratchpad that you were VFR and with FF (assuming you had FF). So they should not have needed to verify anything with you except fo supplying the altimeter setting.

If that happens again, I'd suggest asking for the phone number to ZLA, call, and ask why they are asking you for that. As a pilot and for curiosity, they should be able to tell you.

BL.

[fholbert]

Question. Did you request flight following to SBA? If not, that could play a part in why they asked. You're right; it isn't in the .65. What makes it worse, is that if you were being handed to ZLA from SCT, they should have known from the handoff, let alone the notes in the scratchpad that you were VFR and with FF (assuming you had FF). So they should not have needed to verify anything with you except fo supplying the altimeter setting.

If that happens again, I'd suggest asking for the phone number to ZLA, call, and ask why they are asking you for that. As a pilot and for curiosity, they should be able to tell you.

In the western states when you ask for flight following ATC, 99% of the time, takes you to your destination assigning a center code on initial contact. I was locked into the system all the way and flight following start to finish.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N4201B/history/20091025/0113Z/KSBP/KAJO

I've been getting this question for the last few months from different sectors going both ways. Usually the first center sector after being handed off from the respective approach control. Often the weather is so VFR it's comical when they ask.

[sykocus]

If you were being given a new code after contacting the center I would guess they didn't get your info from SCT. If it only happened once or twice I'd blame in on a certain controller's "idiosyncrasy". But given that it seems you were "in the system" and that it seems to be happening so consistently I would guess with davolijj that it's some sort of local procedure.

[zacek]

It's probably worth making a distinction between VFR and VMC.  Most IFR flights are conducted in VMC, so I don't think it has anything to do with the weather.  (Hopefully few VFR flights are conducted in IMC, but that's why we have the NTSB, right?)

I've had the same experience around Denver, so perhaps a directive covers more than one center.  I've just gotten into the habit of saying "N12345 Twelve Thousand Five Hundred VFR" for the initial check in.

[fholbert]

If you were being given a new code after contacting the center

No, I had the same code door to door. SoCal is really good about that.

Frank Holbert
http://160knots.com

[JTS97Z28]

Im a center controller in Chicago and anytime I get a VFR guy I never say verify VFR. Why would I wanna do that when your data block clearly says VFR/125 (for example).  Even with an automation issue between centers the controllers had to coordinate all the info on the flight. So I have no clue whatsoever why those guys out there say that?!?

All I say is chicago center roger and issue traffic when need be. Nothing more.

James