With the addition of the FO was welcomed as he changes frequency and responds to ATC. On a handover the pilot is required to make initial contact. That's not a problem on shorter flights and actually adds to the immersion. What happens on a long haul flight where you might step away to have lunch? If you fail to contact the next controller what will happen when you return? What would be the best way to handle it?

For a pause on a long flight you just press the Pause button in the ATC control panel, but make sure to unpause it before reaching the TOD point.

For a pause on a long flight you just press the Pause button in the ATC control panel, but make sure to unpause it before reaching the TOD point.

Thanks for the response. Will ATC then pick you up at the point you unpause?

Yes.  You may have to make an initial call to ATC like "<CallSign> at FL 230", but it should figure out where you are and take it from there.

 

Dave

Thanks Dave. I'll give it a try.