Does a pilot have to request altitude changes when receiving flight following? Let's say that during a VFR flight the pilot requests flight following from ATC, giving information about the aircraft type, type of equipment, destination and cruise altitude. ATC responds by giving a squawk and saying "maintain VFR".

In that scenario:


Does the pilot have to request an altitude change from ATC during flight following, even though the flight is under VFR?
Or, does he need to just advise ATC and start descending/climbing to another VFR altitude?
Or, is it not necessary to say anything to ATC about VFR altitude changes during flight following?


Finally, where can I find information about the regulations for flight following? I could not find anything in the FAR/AIM.
No, you wouldn't need to advise of changes if all that they instruct is "maintain VFR."


  91.123(b): "... no person may operate an aircraft contrary to an ATC instruction in an area in which air traffic control is exercised."


It would depend on the instruction received.  Let's say, after departing from class 'C' airspace, they told the pilot, "maintain VFR and resume own navigation," they are giving him freedom to choose his own headings and altitudes.

On the other hand, if the controller said, "maintain 5,500 and turn heading 030," then the pilot would need to cancel flight following or make a request to change instructions.

Bottom line: don't not do something they do tell you to do.