Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 2240; Flight Crew Type 600
Communication Breakdown; Confusion
Conflict NMAC
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Airspace Structure; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Human Factors; Procedure
The training flight was conducted under 'Radar Services'; where the original frequency was only working between the altitudes of 3;500 and 4;000 FT. During the descent; tried many times to get a hold of the NY TRACON on 120.15; trying to cancel flight following. While descending between 3;800-3;500 FT the radio reception got weaker; and tried to go back to 4;000 feet to make a last attempt to cancel radar services; as we were reaching 3;800 FT; on the radio; heard someone say to stop descent at for traffic; followed a few seconds later [by an aircraft] flying overhead. Right away we rapidly descended to 2;500 FT to clear any possible conflict and stay clear of Class 'B' ahead; as the approach continued; tried different frequencies; with no luck. Once on the ground; call NY TRACON via the phone line to inform them we were safe on the ground; and due to radio coverage and volume; it was impossible to cancel in the air.
C172 instructor reports difficulty canceling flight following with NY TRACON during descent due to a weak radio or lack of VHF coverage. Climbing to regain VHF contact results in a NMAC. Flight following is canceled on the ground.