Murdoughnut
Well sized member
When receiving VFR flight following, do I need to advise ATC if I intend to climb or descend to a different altitude? If not, does ATC prefer that you let them know of any such changes?
"do I need to advise ATC if I intend to climb or descend to a different altitude?"
Yes, and it's bad form to leave their frequency and "self terminate" flight following without telling them.
So if I need to tell them, am I requesting permission to deviate from my altitude or do I just need to tell them?
Scenario 1: TRACON: "Barnburner 233, radar contact, maintain VFR at 6,500"
I have to disagree with daveatc...
Hard altitudes are routinely assigned to VFR aircraft in Class B and Class C airspace, as are headings and, sometimes, routes. The altitude assignments must meet the MVA, MSA and minimum IFR altitude criteria. That, in theory anyway, takes care of running into mountains. VFR pilots are expected to advise ATC if any clearance, instruction, altitude, route or heading assignment will prevent them from complying with the applicable CFR. So cloud clearance responsibility remains with the pilot.