What is Flight Following in air traffic control?

• A. A method of flight planning
• B. A service provided by ATC to track and guide aircraft flying under IFR
• C. A service provided by ATC to track and guide aircraft not flying under IFR
• D. A procedure for emergency descent

Answer: (C)

Flight Following is a service offered by air traffic control that assists pilots flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) by providing traffic advisories, navigation assistance, and position reports. The primary aim is to enhance safety and situational awareness for pilots operating outside the controlled environment of Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).

This service helps pilots to maintain their aircraft's separation from other traffic, receive weather updates, and navigate as they are operating in potentially congested or complex airspace. Flight Following does not replace the pilot's navigational responsibility but instead complements it by ensuring that they have support from air traffic controllers.

The other options do not accurately describe Flight Following as they either refer to services intended for IFR operations or do not relate to air traffic control services. Thus, the correct understanding of Flight Following revolves around its role in assisting VFR pilots to safely maneuver and communicate in the airspace.