FLYING ARTICLES

Talking on the Radio

Now that you have used the Internet to listen to live Air Traffic Control (ATC) you might be interested in how you can learn more about it.

Talking on the radio is easy once you understand the system, know what you want to do, and what you can expect.Proper radio phraseology and a few helpful strategies will do the rest.

One of the first things your flight instructor wants you to study is the international phonetic alphabet. What's that? Just click on [Radio Communication] in the index to yourleft. You will need it when stating your aircraft call sign (e.g. One-Zero-Lima-Golf) or to confirm that you have information Juliet.

Information Juliet, as an example refers to the letter assigned to a current ATIS (Automated Terminal Information Service) which is taped routine information you listen to before you make first contact. You'll get the ceiling, visibility, temperature, wind, altimeter setting, runway in use.

Next, you'll learn about words and phrases used in talking to air traffic control, which can be the center, approach, tower, ground, or a flight service station.

Another subject is frequencies. VHF (very high frequencies, 30 to 300 MHz) is used for voice communications. One frequency you will hopefully never need is 121.5 MHz (Emergency only!).

The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) provides you with details and lots of examples for proper radio communication techniques. Where to get it? The best way is online pilot shops.

Okay, what about the helpful strategies? Well, here is what works for any pilot, flying any size of airplane or helicopter, at any airport while using either the VFR or IFR systems:

(1) Think before You Talk.

Who Am I? Where Am I? What do I want? Be organized and plan ahead.

(2) Listen before You Talk.

Make sure your radio is set properly (volume is up, frequency correct selected, transmitter switch positioned to the radio in use).

(3) Read back.

"Roger" or "Wilco" does not always cut it. IFR clearances or "hold short" instructions are some examples the pilot needs to read back.

Sounds not too difficult, doesn't it? It's all practice! Learn from the real thing and you will soon talk like a pro on the radio.

Finally, if you don'tunderstand a message, ask the controller to say it again. He will be glad to do so and you will fly much longer this way :-)

You can also say that you are a student pilot. This signals the controller that you may need a little extra help.

Did you know that you can turn your home computer into a radio simulator? You can do it with software you can buy on the web.

Interested in Learning to Fly? Just write me your questions or take advantage of our XL Service - Pilot Career Guide!

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About the Author

Ing. Guenther Geretschnig (guenther@gg-pilot.com) currently holds pilot certificates and ratings in several countries all over the world.

Withmore than 15 years experience in aviation, Guenther has been active as a helicopter pilot and instructor in America.

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