If you hear a Center controller say 'Contact Center on 128.9', what action should you take?

• A. Change frequency to 128.9 and reestablish contact with the Center.
• B. Ignore and stay on current frequency.
• C. Call the supervisor to confirm.
• D. Record the instruction and respond later.

Answer: (A)

When ATC tells you to contact a facility on a specific frequency, the action you take is to switch to that frequency and establish contact with that facility. Hearing “Contact Center on 128.9” means you should tune your radio to 128.9 and call Center right away so you can receive further instructions and stay properly sequenced and separated from other traffic.

Once you contact Center, introduce your aircraft and location (for example, your call sign, position, and altitude) and follow their instructions. This prompt handoff keeps you under the correct controller’s guidance and maintains safe, orderly flow.

Ignoring the instruction, staying on the current frequency, or delaying response would mean you’re not in contact with the proper controller, which can create safety and routing issues. Calling a supervisor or recording and replying later would introduce unnecessary delays.