Talking to Air Traffic Control for Student Pilots

Introduction

• Air traffic control (ATC) can be intimidating for student pilots.
• Plain English offers an aviation radio simulator for learning communications.
• Importance of understanding ATC: to ensure safety and compliance with FAA regulations.

Basic Structure of Radio Communications

• Three Parts:
  1. Request
  2. Instructions
  3. Confirmation
• Communication involves making a request, ATC giving instructions, and confirming the instructions.

Flight Scenario

1. Preparation:

   • Obtain ATIS report (includes weather and airport info).
   • Use the 5 Ws for initial call:
     1. Who you're talking to.
     2. Who you are (aircraft type and call sign).
     3. Where you are.
     4. What your request is.
     5. With what information (ATIS identifier).

2. Taxiing:

   • Permission needed to enter taxiways and runways.
   • Example Call: "Dear valley ground cessna 75600 romeo 8 requesting taxi northwest departure with echo."
   • Ground control gives taxi instructions which must be confirmed.

3. Takeoff Preparation:

   • Change frequency to tower control for runway clearance.
   • Use initial contact with tower: "Dear valley tower cessna 75600 holding short 7 left ready for departure."
   • Tower provides takeoff instructions.
   • Possible instructions: Clear for takeoff, hold short, line up and wait, etc.

4. Departure Instructions:

   • Follow any departure instructions given by ATC.
   • Listen for call sign for further instructions or updates.
   • Use of abbreviated call signs to speed up communication.

Arrival Procedures

1. Initial Contact for Landing:

   • Use 5 Ws to request clearance into airspace.
   • Example: "Deer valley tower cessna 75600 over the shooting range inbound requesting full stop with information echo."

2. Pattern and Landing:

   • Received instructions can include joining traffic patterns or direct landings.
   • Confirm and comply with landing instructions.
   • Possible Instructions: Follow traffic, continue straight, extend your downwind, etc.

3. Post-Landing:

   • Receive taxi instructions from tower, then contact ground control for taxi to parking.
   • Use initial call to ground control: "Deer valley ground cessna 75600 alpha 6 requesting taxi to north hangars."

Tips for Effective Radio Communication

• Everyone makes mistakes; don't feel embarrassed.
• Avoid using numbers "2" and "4" near other important numbers in transmissions.
• Use single transmission for initial contact or new instructions.
• Ask ATC to repeat or clarify if needed.
• Request help or say "unable" if instructions are unclear or unsafe.
• Be kind and acknowledge ATC communications with a thank you.

Conclusion

• Mastery of radio communications is crucial for safe flying.
• Check additional resources and videos for more advanced communications techniques.

Additional Resources

• Links to videos on airspace communications and radio mastery.