Communication Breakdown, It's Always the Same

Radio communications are among the most difficult and stressful elements of flight training, causing some pilots to take an indefinite hiatus from practicing them once they're certificated. However, mastering the lingo doesn't foolproof your interactions with ATC in perpetuity.

Several recent midair collisions and near-misses at airports have emphasized the importance of brushing up on basic radio procedures. With understaffed ATC towers around the U.S., maintaining clear communications with controllers is imperative. 

Refreshing yourself on the flows keeps your mind attuned to standard procedures and helps you identify potential lapses in communication. Remember, for any call to ATC, tell them who, where, and intentions. Then repeat back what they tell you. 

Take this typical departure from Class C at KAUS, for example. 

For Clearance, before leaving the non-controlled area on the ground:

• You: "Austin Clearance Skyhawk 172RB at Signature FBO, VFR to the West at 6,500 feet."
• ATC: "172RB remain at or below 3,500, Departure 127.22 , squawk 0203." 

After runup, contact Ground. 

• You: "Austin Ground Skyhawk 172RB at Taxiway November, runup complete, ready to taxi."
• ATC: "172RB taxi November Bravo 18L."

At the runway stop and hold short line, contact Tower.

• You: "Austin Tower 172RB holding short 18L." 
• ATC: "172RB turn left 160, remain at or below 3,500 feet, cleared for takeoff 18L."

When Tower tells you to switch to Departure:

• You: "Austin Departure 172RB <insert your altitude at the moment>"
• ATC: "172RB radar contact, altimeter 30.05, turn right 270, no altitude restriction, contact (switch to) Departure 119.0." 

If you're not using flight following, once you're clear of the airspace:

• ATC: "172RB, radar service terminated, squawk VFR, frequency change approved."

Minor variations from this example may occur. But if you keep the flow in mind, your departure communications will remain confident and clear.