["Followup-To:" header set to rec.aviation.student.]
On 2006-11-28, PilotWeb.org wrote:
Do not feel guilty about asking for flight following or any other ATC
service. If the controller is unable to provide you with the service
because of a high workload, then he will tell you he is "unable flight
following at this time."

Generally (but not always), if you listen on frequency for a few minutes
before transmitting, you'll be able to tell whether they'll be able to
give you flight following service.

One reason for flying under instrument rules in good weather is that
it effectively becomes guaranteed flight following. You still have
to look out the window, but it helps.

Part of good CRM is taking advantage of EVERY AVAILABLE RESOURCE to
reduce risk and contribute to safety. VFR flight following, be it
terminal or center radar is just one more resource. Use it.

Definitely. But if you need to travel through someone's (D/C/B)
airspace do have a backup plan in case they don't let you in.

Regular use of flight following also sharpens the radio skills
required for IFR.


Morris