ATC Communication: Recent Episodes
ATC Communication
There is a misconception among new pilots that listening to other pilots speak on the radio is a good way to learn radio phrasing. My opinion is, maybe, but probably not. Listen to the audio in this 1:10 video. These are all presumably experienced pilots communicating with Peachtree Tower at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK). Ear-opening, yes? … Learning Radio Skills from Pilots Read More »
"New day, new jet." That is an Air Force Instructor Pilot's standard statement that means the current training scenario is over, and a new one has begun. It is a line of demarcation that reminds student pilots it is time to move on to the next challenging scenario. It's a new day here at ATCcommunication.com, … New Day, New Jet Read More »
If you are anticipating flying into Class B airspace for the first time, not to worry. The procedures ATC uses inside of Class B are nearly identical to those used in other classes of airspace. The subtle variations in procedure will most likely be unnoticeable to you. What may jump out at you is the … Flying into Class B for the First Time Read More »
As you approach your destination, ATC will clear you to begin a descent from your enroute altitude to some lower altitude. Often descent clearances will come in a series of lower altitudes. This series of step-down clearances is issued to allow you to descend without conflicting with other traffic at lower altitudes. Occasionally, and in … Pilot’s Discretion Descents Read More »
No one likes to have their forward progress stopped. You know what I mean. When you are stuck in a traffic jam on the road, it’s very aggravating. Waiting at a long red stoplight when you need to be somewhere can raise your blood pressure. Similarly, when ATC says, “Expect holding at [a navigation fix],” … I Hate Holding Read More »
The time between ATC’s radio transmissions differs depending on the amount of traffic in a controller’s airspace. The more traffic in a section of airspace, the less time between ATC transmissions. Take comfort in the fact that no matter how busy the radio seems, the words and phrases ATC uses remain exactly the same words … Coping with Busy Airspace Read More »
If you have been flying from uncontrolled airport to uncontrolled airport, never getting in touch with ATC, it’s likely the scope of your radio skills has shrunk. You may feel confident about reporting your position in an uncontrolled airport pattern but anxious about contacting ATC at a busy Class C airport. This should not come … Regaining Radio Fitness Read More »
“Cessna 9130 Delta, Oakland Center, radio check,” says the controller. “Cessna 9130 Delta, loud and clear,” the pilot answers. “Cessna 9130,” says the controller, “that was my third attempt to call you. If you want to continue with flight following, you’re going to have to listen for your call sign.” Why didn’t the pilot answer … Listen for Your Call Sign Read More »
What is the correct response on the radio for this situation? ATC: “Cherokee 7 Kilo Mike, traffic eleven o’clock and one zero miles, opposite direction, a Lear Thirty-Five at niner thousand.” You see the Learjet’s target on the screen of your ADS-B screen. What you say in reply to ATC depends on whether or not … What to Tell ATC When You Spot Traffic on ADS-B Read More »
Updated 27 January 2017. Yesterday, I published an article about what to say to ATC when you have identified traffic on your onboard ADS-B screen. Based on feedback from several air traffic controllers, who all responded similarly, I’m going to change my recommendation. Previously, I said when ATC points out traffic and you notice the … Telling ATC Traffic Identified on ADS-B Read More »
Question from Victor, a Multi-Engine Instructor: “You are at [FL250], cruising along, and ATC clears you to “Descend via STAR [xxxx].” As you begin the descent (at pilot’s discretion to save fuel), are you required to notify ATC that you are leaving [FL250] and if so, the target altitude on the STAR you are next … Reporting When Leaving Cruise to Begin a STAR Read More »
Yesterday, someone placed a comment at my other website ATCcommunication.com that I immediately deleted because it included some incendiary language. Life is too short to put up with rudeness. The commenter probably would have started a good conversation with me had he used good communication discipline and not taken a cheap shot. I bring this … Radio Discipline Read More »
If you have ever felt butterflies in your stomach when faced with contacting Ground Control for taxi clearance, you have experienced something I call Taxi Clearance Anxiety. It’s a made-up term but the phenomenon has real consequences. Some pilots go out of their way to avoid controlled airports with complicated taxiway layouts. Even high-time pro … Taxi Clearance Anxiety Read More »
I was sitting on the jumpseat in the cockpit of another airline yesterday and I heard a radio exchange between ATC and the pilot working the radio for the crew. It sounded like this. (The aircraft call sign, altitudes and the named intersection are fictitious.) ATC: “Airliner 167, at pilot’s discretion, descend and maintain Flight … ATC’s Expect to Cross an Intersection Read More »
The following transmission from a tower controller has a clearance and an advisory. Can you tell which is which? ATC says, “Skyhawk 9130 Delta, Runway 16, line up and wait. Traffic will be crossing downfield.” When the controller said, “Runway 16, line up and wait,” he was directing Skyhawk 9130 Delta to do something. When … The Difference Between ATC Clearances and Advisories Read More »
Here’s a worthwhile read about radio errors, by John Zimmerman, at studentpilotnews.com. The issues raised in this article are just as prevalent today as they were when this article was written in 2012. Enjoy, or read it and weep, depending on your perspective. http://studentpilotnews.com/2012/05/09/the-7-deadly-sins-of-radio-communications/
You are flying an ILS approach into an uncontrolled pattern. The weather in the pattern permits VFR. There are other pilots buzzing around the airport. As you change from ATC’s frequency to the airport’s common traffic advisory frequency, what are you thinking about? Completing that ILS? Sure. If you are like me, you are thinking … Flying an Approach Into an Uncontrolled Pattern Read More »
If you can get all the aviation weather data you need online, do you really need to know how to contact Flight Service on the radio? It depends on who you ask. I say yes. A Flight Service agent can save time and point you in the right direction. An agent can quickly sift through … Contacting Flight Service; Searching for IFR Traffic in an Uncontrolled Pattern Read More »
Experience means jack if you aren’t open to learning something new from your experiences. Fair warning, learning by experience without distinguishing good from bad can lead you to very dark and dangerous places. Nowhere is this more true than in an aircraft cockpit. Let me explain. I’ve been flying fixed wing airplanes since I was … Learning Radio Phrasing By Experience is Highly Risky Read More »
Experience means jack if you aren’t open to learning something new from your experiences. Fair warning, learning by experience without distinguishing good from bad can lead you to very dark and dangerous places. Nowhere is this more true than in an aircraft cockpit. Let me explain. I’ve been flying fixed wing airplanes since I was … Experience on the Radio Can Be the Worst Teacher Read More »
Here are some of the questions about IFR radio procedures I’m asked most often. Q: Am I required to use my call sign at the beginning or end of my transmission? A: According to the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), you may use your call sign at the beginning or end of a transmission. It’s not … Questions and Answers About IFR Radio Procedures Read More »
In this episode, we’ll talk about why you make mistakes on the radio and what it says about your performance as a pilot. I think my analysis will surprise you (in a good way). Also, some pilots have asked interesting questions about the details of reporting your position in an uncontrolled airport pattern. Just when … Making Mistakes on the Aircraft Radio Read More »
Next Radar Contact Show, “Mistakes Happen”. We all make mistakes when transmitting on the radio, even pilots like me with decades of experience. Last night, flying from Nagoya, Japan to Honolulu, I got mentally out of synch with the person at the other end of the radio. I made several transmissions that had no connection … Coming Up in Radar Contact Read More »
Note: A busy flying schedule this week plus moving to a new house has put me behind the power curve. That’s why I’m presenting this week’s IFR Flight Radio Show by the fastest means possible–for me, anyway–writing. Climbing Unrestricted Let’s say, in your pre-departure clearance, ATC has cleared you to fly the Teterboro One Departure, … Climbing Unrestricted on a SID Read More »
“Town and Country Traffic, red and white Skyhawk, 4-mile final, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” “Town and Country Traffic, blue and white Warrior, turning base, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” “Town and Country Traffic, red and white Skyhawk, final, Runway One Seven, Town and Country.” Do you think saying your aircraft’s color scheme … Aircraft Color in Place of Call Sign is a Bad Idea Read More »
In your next edition of the IFR Flight Radio Show we’ll talk about picking up an IFR clearance while airborne. Also, what ATC means by “climb unrestricted”. And, all about clearances for a cruise descent. Plus a new question to ponder. In the meantime, here’s a good read. My friend and highly experienced pilot, Sarah … Coming Up in the Next IFR Flight Radio Read More »
If you’re using your aircraft model and color scheme to identify yourself in an uncontrolled airport pattern, I have a good reason to quit immediately. Let’s talk about that reason in the next edition of the Radar Contact Show. It’s been awhile since we talked about how to make initial contact with ATC when requesting … Next Radar Contact Show: Call Sign by Color, and Picking Up VFR Flight Following Read More »