Hi folks!Here's what I mean... I've noticed a couple of times that I would make a request (for new altitude) to a controller, and rather than answering that request, the current controller passes me on to the next control... I contact that new controller who acknowledges me, followed by "climb and maintain... " the altitude I requested the first guy... Is this normal behavior?thank you,realm174

Perfectly normal - I particularly notice it during the descent phase, when you're liable to be passed between several control areas rather quickly.DJ

Hi,Yes, quite normal as DJ say's. It's because controllers are responsible for different stratums. FL230 and FL330 are two flight levels where you will be switched to a different controller.You may notice that when you file FL340 or higher you are always cleared up to FL330 and then switched to another controller before further clearance to FL340 (or higher).That sames rules apply to request higher or lower.

Just for additional info, it is interesting to note that controllers in the r/w are always in contact with each other. This chatter is not heard by pilots at all, as it is transmitted via dedicated means rather than over the airwaves.In oz, it is possible to hear this controller to controller chatter as some of it is transmitted across the country via satellites.I guess that's where the saying comes from: "Just because the frequency is quiet, it doesn't mean the controllers aren't busy".Subs

Thanks guys, makes perfect sense... I just hadn't come across that all that often before, so I wasn't sure if it was normal behavior, or RC behavior only... Glad to know I'm well taken care of up there.. :)realm174