Mastering ATC Communication: A Pilot's Guide to Radiotelephony

Effective communication with Air Traffic Control separates professional pilots from the rest. It's not just about knowing the right words—it's about clear, concise, and confident exchanges that keep everyone safe. This guide will help you master the art of radiotelephony.

The Fundamentals of Good Radio Technique

The Golden Rules

1. Listen before you transmit - Know what's happening on frequency
2. Think before you speak - Plan your message
3. Be brief, be clear - Concise is professional
4. Speak at the right pace - Not too fast, not too slow
5. Use standard phraseology - Consistency prevents confusion

The Anatomy of a Good Transmission

Every transmission should follow this structure:

[WHO you're calling] [WHO you are] [WHERE you are] [WHAT you want]

Example:

"Tower, November One Two Three Alpha Bravo, holding short runway two seven, ready for departure."

Initial Contact with ATC

Calling Ground Control

When ready to taxi:

"Ground, [callsign], [location], request taxi to [runway], with information [ATIS code]"

Example:

"Ground, Speedbird 476, stand Delta 5, request taxi to runway 27L, with information Bravo."

Calling Tower

When ready for takeoff:

"Tower, [callsign], holding short runway [number], ready for departure"

Example:

"Tower, Delta 1492, holding short runway 4R, ready for departure."

Calling Approach/Departure

When switching frequencies:

"[Facility], [callsign], [altitude], [heading/position]"

Example:

"Approach, American 2156, descending through flight level 180 for 10,000."

Understanding Clearances

Taxi Clearances

Listen carefully for:

• The route (taxiways)
• Any hold short instructions
• Active runway

Example clearance:

"November 123AB, taxi to runway 27 via Alpha, Bravo, hold short of runway 22."

Your readback:

"Taxi runway 27 via Alpha, Bravo, hold short runway 22, November 123AB."

Takeoff Clearances

Key elements:

• "Cleared for takeoff" (the magic words)
• Runway number
• Any restrictions

Example:

"Speedbird 476, runway 27L, cleared for takeoff, wind 280 at 12."

Your readback:

"Cleared for takeoff runway 27L, Speedbird 476."

IFR Clearances (CRAFT)

Remember the acronym:

• C - Clearance limit
• R - Route
• A - Altitude
• F - Frequency
• T - Transponder code

Example:

"Delta 1492, cleared to Atlanta Hartsfield via the Bowie 4 departure, climb and maintain 5000, expect flight level 350 ten minutes after departure, departure frequency 125.0, squawk 4521."

Handling Complex Situations

When You Don't Understand

Use these phrases confidently:

• "Say again" - Repeat the entire transmission
• "Say again [specific part]" - Repeat just that element
• "Confirm [what you think you heard]" - Verify your understanding
• "Clarify" - Request explanation

When You Can't Comply

Being unable to follow an instruction is normal. Handle it professionally:

"Unable [instruction], [brief reason]"

Example:

"Unable climb to flight level 350, aircraft performance limit flight level 310."

Making Requests

Be direct but professional:

"Request [what you need], [reason if helpful]"

Examples:

"Request direct Macon, weather deviation." "Request lower, light turbulence at this level." "Request visual approach runway 27."

Emergency Communications

Declaring an Emergency

Use MAYDAY for life-threatening situations:

"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, [callsign], [type of emergency], [intentions], [souls on board], [fuel remaining]"

Example:

"MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, United 232, engine failure and complete hydraulic loss, attempting to land Sioux City, 296 souls, two hours fuel remaining."

Urgency Situations

Use PAN-PAN for urgent but not life-threatening situations:

"PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, [callsign], [situation], [intentions]"

Example:

"PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, November 456CD, passenger medical emergency, request priority handling and medical assistance on arrival."

Common Communication Scenarios

Position Reports (Non-Radar)

"[Callsign], [position], [time], [altitude], [next position and ETA]"

Example:

"Delta 892, JONES intersection at 1532, flight level 330, estimating SMITH at 1558."

Weather Deviation Requests

"[Callsign], request deviation [direction] of course, [reason]"

Example:

"American 1156, request deviation 20 miles right of course for weather."

Holding Instructions

Listen for:

• Holding fix
• Radial/course
• Direction of turns
• Leg length/timing
• Expect further clearance time

Example:

"Delta 1492, hold north of JONES on the 360 radial, left turns, expect further clearance at 1545."

Your readback:

"Hold north of JONES, 360 radial, left turns, expect further clearance 1545, Delta 1492."

Improving Your Radio Skills

Daily Practice

1. Listen to LiveATC - Passive exposure helps immensely
2. Simulate radio calls - Practice out loud
3. Record yourself - Compare to professionals
4. Review phraseology - Regular refreshers

Self-Assessment Checklist

• Am I speaking clearly?
• Is my pace appropriate?
• Am I using standard phraseology?
• Do I listen before transmitting?
• Do I read back clearances correctly?
• Do I ask for clarification when needed?

Common Mistakes to Eliminate

1. "With you" - Unnecessary, just state your position
2. "Uh," "Um" - Minimize filler words
3. Speaking too fast - Controllers handle many calls
4. Mumbling callsign - It's your identity
5. Forgetting to monitor - Always be listening

Practice with Purpose

Effective radio communication is a skill that improves with focused practice. Use resources like AviLingo's listening exercises with real ATC communications to develop your ear for professional phraseology.

Ready to sharpen your communication skills? Start practicing with AviLingo and gain confidence in your radiotelephony.

Have specific communication scenarios you'd like explained? Contact us at support@avilingo.net