Whether you call it VFR advisories or-as the FAA labels it in the Aeronautical Information Manual, the AIM-radar traffic information service, flight following is provided by ATC to advise VFR flights of observed radar targets warranting their attention.

In aviation, the responsibility for flight following depends on the type of flight and the service requested. For most general aviation pilots flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), "VFR Flight Following" is an optional service provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC). When a pilot requests this, a controller uses radar to track the aircraft and provide traffic advisories and safety alerts. However, the Pilot in Command (PIC) remains ultimately responsible for "seeing and avoiding" other aircraft and maintaining safe navigation. For commercial airlines and larger operators, flight following is a more formal requirement shared between the pilot and the flight dispatcher (often called "operational control"). In this case, the dispatcher tracks the flight's progress, monitors weather, and ensures the aircraft stays within its planned parameters. While ATC provides the tactical radar service, the dispatcher and the pilot are responsible for the strategic planning and safety of the mission from take-off to landing.

Flight following is a service provided by Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the responsibility is shared between the pilot and ATC.

Here’s a breakdown of who is responsible for what:

1. Pilot’s Responsibilities:

• Requesting the Service: The pilot must proactively request flight following from ATC. It is not automatic (unlike an IFR flight plan). This is typically done after takeoff by contacting the nearest Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC or “Center”) or a Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility.
• Providing Information: The pilot must provide the necessary information for ATC to establish radar identification, such as aircraft type, position, altitude, and destination.
• Maintaining Communication: The pilot is responsible for maintaining two-way radio communication with ATC. If contact is lost, the pilot must follow predetermined procedures (e.g., attempting to re-establish contact, squawking 7600).
• Adhering to Clearances/Advisories: While flight following provides traffic advisories and safety alerts, the pilot remains responsible for see-and-avoid and for complying with any ATC clearances or instructions issued.
• Terminating the Service: The pilot should inform ATC when they no longer wish to receive the service (e.g., “Canceling flight following”).
• Final Responsibility for Safety: The pilot-in-command retains ultimate responsibility for the safe operation of the aircraft, including navigation, terrain clearance, and collision avoidance.

2. ATC’s Responsibilities:

• Providing the Service on a Workload-Permissive Basis: ATC provides flight following as workload permits. They can decline or terminate the service if they become too busy.
• Radar Separation and Traffic Advisories: For VFR aircraft receiving flight following, ATC provides:
  • Traffic Advisories: Information on nearby air traffic.
  • Safety Alerts: Warnings about terrain, obstructions, or other hazards.
  • Limited Radar Separation: In many cases, ATC will provide IFR-like separation between the VFR aircraft and other IFR aircraft, but this is not guaranteed. The primary service is traffic information.
• Providing VFR Advisories: This can include weather updates, suggested altitudes for smoother air,