Radio Communications

Knowledgebase Article

Communicating with ATC


This is a pretty simple one - pilots have to talk to air traffic control. Most aircraft have a radio system, and there are some common phrases that pilots use. There are also correct and incorrect ways to communicate.


Using the Radio - General


Getting Started - Your first time talking on a CTAF frequency.
Definitions:

  • CTAF - Common Traffic Advisory Fequency (used in uncontrolled areas or airfields)
  • UNICOM - Secondary frequency at an airport, typically used to communicate with an FBO
  • AWOS/ATIS - Aviation weather frequency. ATIS is manually created by an air traffic control tower, while AWOS is an automated report

    • Start with the following memory aid: Who (facility or area), Who (your callsign), Where (your location) What (request or advisory).
    For example: (in abbreviated form)
    Daytona Approach, Cessna 89721, three miles NE lake Deston, 3,500 feet, Inbound to Ormond full stop with Information Victor

    When advising position or intentions at an uncontrolled airfield or area, use the following format: Who (facility or area), who (your callsign), where (your location), what (intentions), who (facility or area).

    Old Town Traffic, Cessna 89721, 8 miles east, Inbound closed traffic Runway 18, Old town.





    Common Terms and Abbreviated Phrases

    More terms at the links above.
    Term Definition
    Squawk Set transponder code. Usually in the form: "Cessna 721, squawk 8832."
    Make Left/Right Traffic Controllers will tell aircraft how to join/fly an airport pattern.
    Proceed Direct Go straight to a point or location.
    "Wilco" (I) will comply.
    "Roger" I understand and acknowledge.
    "Affirmative" or "Affirm" Yes.
    "Negative" No.
    "Unable" Very important! When used by a pilot, indicates that the assigned or proposed instruction is unsafe or outside of an aircraft/pilot's capabilities.
    Climb and maintain Climb to an altitude and stay at that altitude until given further instruction.
    "Continue" Typically used in preparation for landing by a tower when other traffic is landing first or you are some distance from the airport. Continue on the approach but you may not land until further clearance is recieved.
    Line Up and Wait You can enter the runway and align for takeoff, but you are not cleared yet.
    Hold Short/LAHSO On Ground: Hold short of a runway or taxiway while taxiing. For landing: Land and hold short - you have to stop before a specific point on the runway. If unable, advise tower.