Can I change altitude while flight following?

As a VFR aircraft, altitude is the pilot's discretion unless there has been an explicit assignment by ATC for traffic purposes. You should advise the controller of any altitude changes.



Yes, you can absolutely change altitude while receiving VFR Flight Following from Air Traffic Control (ATC) in 2026, but the protocol depends on the airspace. In most "Class E or G" (uncontrolled or general) airspace, you are still flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), meaning you are ultimately responsible for your own terrain and traffic separation; however, it is a high-value peer-to-peer "best practice" to inform the controller by saying, "Requesting altitude change to [New Altitude]." This allows the controller to update your "data block" on their radar screen and better predict potential traffic conflicts. If you are in Class B or C airspace, you are under more direct control and must receive a specific clearance before changing altitude. Generally, unless the controller has told you to "Maintain [Altitude]," your altitude is "at your discretion," but keeping the "partnership" with ATC strong by communicating your intentions ensures the highest level of safety and situational awareness for you and other aircraft in the vicinity.

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As a visual flight rules (VFR) pilot, if you have activated flight following, ATC will help you navigate restricted areas in the same way as they do IFR pilots. If you are flying VFR without flight following, you are solely responsible for restricted area recognition and avoidance.

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They vector IFR traffic, issue approach clearances, landing clearances, traffic alerts, and coordinate with other controllers. Therefore, I should note, flight following does NOT open your flight plan. You must call to open your flight plan through the FSS, then you can call Center and get flight following.

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Q: Why do planes speed up before landing? The airplanes do not increase speed before landing. But when landing gear and flaps are set to landing position, they create a lot of aerodynamic drag. Therefore, engine power is increased to maintain the approach speed.

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The 90-day rule applies when carrying passengers. The licence holder must have completed within the previous 90 days, three take-offs and landings as sole manipulator of the controls in the same type or class to be used on the flight.

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If you purchased a round-trip flight and need to change the first leg to a different day, your best bet will likely be to pay the change fee and book a new flight. If you only need to change the return portion of a round trip, however, it may be cheaper to book a new one-way flight than to pay the cancellation fee.

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Pilots may request to terminate VFR Flight Following. ATC may deny the request while in controlled airspace to ensure positive separation. ATC will automatically terminate VFR Flight Following when the aircraft arrives at its destination.

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However, pilots especially those flying under Visual Flight Rules get lost sometimes. Reasons include flying to a new area, poor flight planning, improper instrument checks, flying into instrument meteorological conditions and others.

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Aircraft dispatchers are held just as legally responsible for the flight plan and flight execution as the pilot, where flight followers do not hold the same legal responsibilities. And, even though the title flight follower or aircraft dispatcher does not scream “superhero,” you might as well be Clark Kent.

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In class E airspace, IFR aircraft are controlled by ATC. This might be a center facility (Air Route Traffic Control Center) or approach/departure facility. As a VFR aircraft, you aren't required to be in contact with ATC, but IFR aircraft must operate on an ATC clearance. That means the airspace is controlled.

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