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air traffic control

The rapport established between pilots and air traffic controllers is essential to ensure a safe and smooth flight. When pilots have good synergy with air traffic control (ATC), they can relay crucial information about the weather, navigation, and the condition of the runway to avoid any mishaps. A lot of factors contribute to this level of coordination, however, one key component is good communication. Pilots and air traffic controllers need to effectively communicate with each other so that they can get a better understanding of the situation in the skies and on the ground.

Communication between pilots and ATCs is different from that of your typical phone call. There are certain guidelines both parties need to observe to be able to converse with each other clearly. That’s why before student pilots can earn their wings, they have to develop the necessary skills to effectively communicate with ground personnel during their pilot training in the Philippines, USA, UK, or any pilot school in the world.

However, many aspiring pilots may find it challenging to develop these skills. If you’re a student pilot or someone who just got their license, don’t fret. Here are some tips to help you improve your communication skills when speaking with ATC:

Familiarize Yourself with Radio Phraseology and Techniques

Effective communication with ATC starts with understanding the standard radio phraseology and techniques used in aviation. This includes knowing common phrases like “Roger,” “Wilco,” “Affirmative,” and “Negative,” as well as understanding the phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.). Learning these phrases is essential for spelling out important information clearly. As such, pilots must be well-versed in the specific language and terminology that ATC employs to avoid misunderstandings.

Communicate Using the Correct Frequency

Each phase of flight, from takeoff to landing, requires pilots to constantly monitor certain frequencies to stay in contact with the appropriate ATC facilities. Thus, you have to ensure you have a clear understanding of the frequencies you’ll need to use. This information can be found in your flight plan, airport charts, and ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) broadcasts.

When changing frequencies, it’s important to do so promptly and accurately. Missing a frequency change or tuning into the wrong frequency can lead to a loss of communication with ATC, which can be hazardous. Always double-check the frequency before making the switch, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask ATC to confirm. Staying on the correct frequency ensures that you receive timely instructions and updates from ATC, contributing to the overall safety of your flight.

Listen for Ongoing Radio Traffic Before Speaking

Before transmitting on the radio, make sure to listen for ongoing traffic. This helps you avoid interrupting other pilots or ATC, ensuring that the frequency remains clear for essential communications. Taking a moment to listen also gives you context for the current situation, which can inform your own transmissions.

Remember to Keep Things Clear and Concise

Controllers handle numerous aircraft simultaneously, and concise communication helps them manage this workload effectively. When speaking, use standard phraseology and keep your messages short and to the point. For example, instead of saying, “We are about 10 miles west of the airport and would like to start our descent,” you could say, “Request descent, 10 miles west.” This concise communication style not only reduces radio congestion but also minimizes the potential for misunderstandings.

Practice What You Have to Say Before Saying It

Before keying the microphone, take a moment to mentally rehearse what you plan to communicate. This helps ensure that your message is clear, concise, and correctly formatted. Practicing your transmission beforehand can also reduce the likelihood of making errors or having to repeat yourself, which can congest the radio frequency and lead to confusion. Think through the key points of your message, such as your position, request, and any other pertinent information. Organizing your thoughts ahead of time allows you to deliver a smooth and professional transmission

Anticipate ATC’s Response

Effective communication with ATC isn’t just about speaking clearly, but it’s also about listening actively and anticipating what the controller might say next. Having a good understanding of standard ATC procedures and typical instructions can help you prepare for likely responses. This anticipation allows you to respond more quickly and accurately, keeping the communication flow smooth and efficient.

Read Back All Pertinent Information to ATC

When ATC provides instructions, it’s important to read back all pertinent information to confirm that you have understood them correctly. This practice, known as a readback, helps ensure that both you and the controller are on the same page, reducing the risk of miscommunication. For instance, if ATC instructs you to “Climb and maintain 5,000 feet, turn left heading 270,” your readback should be, “Climb and maintain 5,000 feet, left heading 270.” This confirmation allows the controller to verify that you have received and correctly understood the instructions. If there is any discrepancy, the controller can correct it immediately, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

Effective communication with ATC is a vital skill pilots need to master. When they can coordinate with ATC clearly, they can help ensure safe and efficient flight operations. With the help of these tips, you can significantly enhance your communication skills and ace your pilot training.

AAG’s pilot training programs are aligned with ICAO’s competency-based training and assessment framework. The programs develop the eight core competencies of pilots, enabling students to master Communication Skills, Aircraft Flight Path Management-Manual Control, Aircraft Flight Path-Automation, Leadership and Teamwork, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Application of Procedures, Workload Management, and Situational Awareness. To know more about AAG’s pilot training programs, visit our Contact Us page and fill out the form.