Hi,

In article om,
wrote:

On my initial call, I usually try to give an approach controller an
opportunity to call back when he has a break in the action by saying
something like "Approach, Grumman 12345, VFR with request".

Here in the UK, I think the recommended form is for the initial
transmission just to include the request. The conversation goes something
like:

XYZ Radar, G-ABCD request flight information service

G-CD, pass your message

G-CD is a Piper Warrior, from Heathrow to Gatwick, currently 5 miles north
of Gatwick. Request flight information service.

Apparently, the first call allows the controller to select the right colour
strip based on what your request is going to be, before you start passing
him reams of information that he isn't ready to write down.

Andy