What must controllers ensure when providing VFR flight following services?

When providing VFR flight following services, it is essential for controllers to ensure safety by being aware of surrounding IFR traffic. VFR flight following is a service aimed at providing additional situational awareness and safety to pilots flying under visual flight rules by giving them traffic advisories and information about nearby IFR operations.

Controllers monitor both VFR and IFR traffic, and since IFR flights have the right of way, it is crucial for them to help maintain the separation between these types of aircraft. Being cognizant of the location and movements of IFR traffic allows controllers to provide timely advisories to VFR pilots, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and enhancing the overall safety of all operations in the airspace.

While maintaining contact with the pilot is important for effective communication, the priority of ensuring safety in the airspace necessitates a focus on situational awareness regarding IFR traffic. This is a foundational responsibility of air traffic controllers, reinforcing the need for vigilance and proactive management of air traffic to ensure safe operations.