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En Route

The en route phase covers cruise flight between the departure and destination areas. The responsible controller is Center (also called Control or Radar in German airspace). On short routes like Frankfurt–Munich, this phase may be brief with only one or two frequency changes.

Preparation

  • Center frequency – given by Departure at handoff
  • Flight plan route – waypoints, airways, planned cruise level
  • Destination weather – obtain ATIS or METAR for the destination before top of descent

Initial Contact

Pilot: "Langen Radar, Lufthansa 123, FL240."

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, Langen Radar, identified."

If no specific instruction follows, maintain the current level and route.

Frequency Changes

Center airspace is divided into sectors. As you fly through different sectors, ATC hands you off to the next controller.

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, contact München Radar on 134.15."

Pilot: "München Radar 134.15, Lufthansa 123."

On the new frequency, check in with callsign and current level:

Pilot: "München Radar, Lufthansa 123, FL240."

Important

  • Never change frequency without instruction — always wait for the handoff
  • If there is extended silence: verify the correct frequency is selected
  • If contact is lost: return to the last assigned frequency and try again

Step Climb

To request a higher cruise level:

Pilot: "Langen Radar, Lufthansa 123, request climb FL280."

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, climb FL280."

Pilot: "Climb FL280, Lufthansa 123."

If the requested level is not immediately available, ATC may respond with "standby" or offer an alternative level.

Weather Deviation

If weather requires a route deviation:

Pilot: "München Radar, Lufthansa 123, request deviation left of track due to weather."

ATC: "Lufthansa 123, approved, deviate left of track up to 10 miles, report clear of weather."

Pilot: "Deviate left up to 10 miles, will report clear of weather, Lufthansa 123."

After passing the weather:

Pilot: "München Radar, Lufthansa 123, clear of weather, resuming own navigation."

What's next?

Before reaching the destination area, Center hands off to Approach:

  • Approach – descent and positioning for landing
  • Obtain the destination ATIS before contacting Approach