Communicating with ATC by Lou DiVentura CFI

Talking to ATC: A CFI's Guide to VFR Communication in Class Charlie and Bravo Airspace in the US.

 

 

Hey there, fellow aviators!

 

As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with a decade of experience flying out of Atlantic City International Airport, I've seen my fair share of airspace adventures. Navigating the Class Charlie and Bravo airspace that blankets much of the Northeast can be intimidating, but effective communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC) is key to a safe and enjoyable flight.

 

First Things First: Know Your Airspace

 

Before even starting your engine, familiarize yourself with the airspace you'll be flying through.

 

Class Charlie: Think of it as a buffer zone around Class B. You generally need to establish two-way radio communication with ATC before entering, and you might be given traffic advisories.

Class Bravo: This is the big leagues, Philadelphia, JFK. You'll need a specific clearance to enter and remain within. Expect more precise instructions and tighter traffic control.

 

The Art of the Radio Call: "Who, Who, Where and What"

Clear and concise communication is paramount. Here's a breakdown of essential calls, incorporating the key elements you requested:

 

Initial Contact: Who you are calling, Who you are, Where you are and What you want to do

 

Pilot: "Atlantic City Tower, Cessna Skyhawk N12345 , 5 miles south of Atlantic City Airport, request flight following to KBLM."

 

If you're planning to enter Class Charlie:

 

Pilot: "Atlantic City Approach, Cessna Skyhawk N12345, 5 miles south of Atlantic City Airport, requesting to transit through Class Charlie."

 

Position Reports: Where you are located: 

 

Pilot: "Atlantic City Tower, Cessna Skyhawk N12345 , passing 5 miles south of Atlantic City Airport."

Pilot: "Atlantic City Tower, Cessna Skyhawk N12345 , reaching the Class Charlie boundary."

 

Requests and Changes: What you want to do: 

 

Pilot: "Atlantic City Tower, Cessna Skyhawk N12345, request climb to 3500 feet."

Pilot: "Atlantic City Tower, Cessna Skyhawk N12345, request deviation to the east of the airport due to traffic."

 

The Phonetic Alphabet is important !!!

The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) uses the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) phonetic alphabet.

Here's why it's important in aviation:

• Clear Communication: In aviation, precise communication is crucial for safety. The phonetic alphabet ensures that letters are transmitted and received accurately, even in noisy or distorted radio transmissions.
• Avoiding Confusion: Similar-sounding letters (like B and D, or M and N) can be easily misinterpreted. The phonetic alphabet uses distinct words for each letter, minimizing the risk of errors.

How it's used:

• Spelling Words: When spelling words (like call signs, aircraft registrations), each letter is individually transmitted using its corresponding phonetic word.
• Numbers: While not strictly part of the alphabet, some numbers also have phonetic equivalents in aviation:
• • 5 - Fife
  • 9 - Niner

Example:

Let's say an aircraft's registration is "N123AB." It would be transmitted as:

• "November One Two Tree Alpha Bravo"

https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/alc/libview_chapter.aspx?id=17272&chapter=Radio+Communication+References

 

 

 

Radio Call Comprehension:

The FAA has specific guidelines for radio communication phraseology and techniques to ensure clear, concise, and safe communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. Here's a breakdown:

 

Key Principles:

• Clarity: Use precise and unambiguous language. Avoid slang, jargon, and unnecessary words.
• Conciseness: Transmit only essential information.
• Brevity: Keep transmissions short to minimize radio traffic and allow others to communicate.
• Accuracy: Ensure all information transmitted is correct.
• Professionalism: Maintain a calm and professional demeanor during all communications.

Common Phraseology Examples:

• "Aircraft Identification": Always begin with your aircraft's call sign (e.g., "Cessna Skyhawk 12345," "Piper Bravo").
• "Contact": "Contact Approach Control on frequency 123.45."
• "Squawk": "Squawk 1200."
• "Maintain": "Maintain altitude 5000 feet."
• "Climb/Descend": "Climb to flight level 180."
• "Cleared for": "Cleared for takeoff."
• "Roger": Acknowledges receipt of information.
• "Wilco": Acknowledges receipt of information and will comply.
• "Affirmative": Yes.
• "Negative": No.
• "Unable": Indicates an inability to comply with a request.

Techniques:

• Listen Before Transmitting: Always listen to the frequency before transmitting to avoid interrupting other communications.
• Use Clear Pronunciation: Speak clearly and enunciate properly.
• Avoid Distractions: Minimize distractions in the cockpit while communicating.
• Use Phonetic Alphabet: When spelling words or numbers, use the ICAO phonetic alphabet.
• Monitor Communications: Continuously monitor the frequency for traffic information and instructions.

Where to Find More Information:

• FAA Order JO 7110.65: This is the primary document that outlines all FAA procedures for air traffic control.
• Pilot/Controller Glossary: This glossary defines terms and phrases commonly used in air traffic control communications.

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap4_section_2.html

 

 

Practice ATC Interactions:

The best way to practice talking to FAA ATC is a combination of methods, starting with ground-based preparation and progressing to real-world experience:

 

1. Ground-Based Preparation:

• Study the FAA's Pilot/Controller Glossary: This glossary defines terms and phrases used in air traffic control communications. Familiarize yourself with standard phraseology. 
• "Chair Flying": Imagine yourself in the cockpit and practice typical ATC communications. Create scenarios and role-play with a friend or family member acting as ATC.   
• Listen to Live ATC: Use websites like LiveATC.net to listen to live air traffic control communications. Pay attention to how pilots and controllers communicate. This will help you get a feel for the rhythm and flow of conversations.  
• Use Flight Simulators (with ATC): Flight simulators with realistic ATC models can provide valuable practice. You can practice basic communication, respond to instructions, and handle various scenarios in a safe and controlled environment.   

2. Real-World Experience (under supervision):

• Initial Flights with an Instructor: Your flight instructor will guide you through basic radio communication during your initial training flights. This is the most crucial step in developing real-world ATC communication skills.
• Practice Flights: As you gain experience, practice basic radio calls and gradually increase the complexity of your interactions with ATC.
• Observe Other Pilots: Pay attention to how other pilots communicate with ATC, especially experienced pilots.

Key Tips for Effective Practice:

• Clear Pronunciation: Speak clearly and enunciate properly.
• Conciseness: Be brief and to the point. Avoid unnecessary words.
• Active Listening: Listen carefully to ATC instructions and respond appropriately.
• Use the Phonetic Alphabet: When spelling words or numbers, use the ICAO phonetic alphabet.  
• Maintain Professionalism: Always maintain a calm and professional demeanor.

Important Note:

• Safety First: Always prioritize safety and follow your instructor's guidance.
• Real-World Experience is Crucial: While ground-based preparation is helpful, nothing replaces the experience of communicating with real ATC.

 

Put Radio Frequencies down on paper or Ipad:

 

 

Think Before You Speak:

Thinking before you speak to FAA ATC is crucial for several reasons:

• Safety:
  • Clarity and Conciseness: Carefully planning your transmission ensures you convey your message clearly and concisely, minimizing the risk of misunderstandings that could compromise safety.
  • Avoiding Errors: Taking a moment to organize your thoughts helps prevent errors in your call sign, position reports, or requests.
  • Preventing Confusion: Unclear or rambling transmissions can confuse ATC and other pilots, increasing the risk of incidents.
• Efficiency:
  • Minimizing Radio Traffic: Concise and well-thought-out transmissions keep radio traffic flowing smoothly, allowing other pilots and ATC to communicate efficiently.
  • Reducing Delays: Unnecessary or confusing transmissions can delay clearances and increase overall flight time.
• Professionalism:
  • Projecting Confidence: Taking a moment to think before speaking demonstrates professionalism and helps you maintain a calm and collected demeanor.
  • Improving Situational Awareness: Planning your transmission requires you to assess your current situation and anticipate potential ATC requests.

Tips for Thinking Before You Speak:

• Listen Actively: Before transmitting, carefully listen to the frequency to avoid interrupting other communications.
• Organize Your Thoughts: Determine the key information you need to convey and how you will present it.
• Use Standard Phraseology: Familiarize yourself with and utilize standard ATC phraseology for clear and concise communication.
• Practice: Regular practice, including "chair flying" and flight simulator exercises, can help you develop the habit of thinking before you speak.

By taking a moment to think before you speak to FAA ATC, you can significantly improve the safety, efficiency, and professionalism of your radio communications.

 

Receiving your VFR Clearance:

Receiving an FAA ATC VFR clearance generally involves these steps:

1. Contacting ATC:

   • For towered airports: Contact the tower on the ground frequency or the frequency depicted on the chart.
   • For non-towered airports: Contact the appropriate ATC facility (e.g., Approach Control, Center) on the designated frequency or by phone.

2. Requesting Clearance:

   • Clearly state your aircraft identification (e.g., "Cessna Skyhawk 12345").
   • State your request for a VFR clearance. For example:
     • "Request VFR clearance to [Destination Airport], [Desired Altitude]."
     • "Request VFR clearance to [Destination Airport] via [Route]."

3. Receiving the Clearance:

   • ATC will review your request and issue a clearance.
   • Example: "Cessna Skyhwk 12345, VFR clearance to [Destination Airport], [Desired Altitude] via [Route], squawk [Assigned Code], maintain VFR."

4. Acknowledging the Clearance:

   • Acknowledge the clearance by reading it back to ATC. For example: "Cessna Skyhawk 12345, VFR clearance to [Destination Airport], [Desired Altitude] via [Route], squawk [Assigned Code], maintain VFR, Cessna Skyhawk 12345."

5. Complying with the Clearance:

   • Adhere to all instructions provided in the clearance.
   • Monitor the assigned frequency and maintain communication with ATC as required.

Important Considerations:

• VFR Flight Rules: Ensure you meet all VFR flight requirements (weather minimums, visibility, etc.).
• Special VFR: In some cases, you may need to request Special VFR (SVFR) clearance if the weather conditions do not meet standard VFR requirements.
• ATC Instructions: Always comply with all ATC instructions, even if they differ slightly from your initial request.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRAFT_(aviation)

 

 

 

 

 

Keep a Sterile Cockpit:

The sterile cockpit rule is a critical safety measure in aviation. Here's why it's so important:    

• Minimizes Distractions:
  • During critical phases of flight (taxi, takeoff, landing, below 10,000 feet), the sterile cockpit rule mandates that pilots focus solely on flying the aircraft. This eliminates distractions from non-essential conversations, activities, or even casual chit-chat.   
• Reduces Human Error: Distractions, even minor ones, can significantly increase the risk of human error. The sterile cockpit helps prevent these errors by ensuring the pilots' full attention is on the task at hand.   
• Enhances Situational Awareness: By minimizing distractions, the sterile cockpit helps pilots maintain a high level of situational awareness. This is crucial for identifying and responding to potential hazards.   
• Improves Communication: The rule encourages clear, concise, and focused communication between the pilots, essential for coordinating flight operations smoothly.   

Key Takeaways:

 

• The sterile cockpit is not just about silence; it's about maintaining a focused and professional environment. 
• It's a crucial safety measure designed to minimize the risk of accidents caused by distractions. 
• Compliance with the sterile cockpit rule is essential for all pilots.
     

 

Incorrect Readbacks:

Incorrectly reading back FAA ATC instructions can have serious consequences, including:

• Loss of Separation: If you misinterpret an altitude assignment, heading instruction, or speed restriction, you could end up too close to another aircraft, creating a dangerous situation.
• Runway Incursions: Incorrectly reading back instructions related to taxiing, takeoff, or landing can lead to runway incursions, where aircraft operate on or cross runways without proper clearance. This is a major safety hazard.
• Mid-Air Collisions: Incorrectly reading back instructions related to altitude or course changes can increase the risk of mid-air collisions.
• Near Misses: Even if a serious incident is avoided, incorrect readbacks can lead to near misses, which are still serious safety concerns.
• Pilot Action: Depending on the severity of the error and its consequences, pilots could face disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of their pilot certificates.

Why Accurate Readbacks are Crucial:

• Safety Critical: Readbacks are a critical safety measure designed to ensure both the pilot and ATC understand and agree upon the instructions.
• Legal Requirement: Correctly reading back ATC instructions is a legal requirement for pilots.
• Professionalism: Accurate readbacks demonstrate professionalism and a commitment to safety.

Key Takeaways:

• Always double-check your readbacks before transmitting.
• Use the phonetic alphabet when necessary to ensure clarity.
• If you're unsure about any part of the instruction, request clarification from ATC.
• Prioritize safety and accuracy in all your communications with ATC.

 

Congested Radio Frequencies:

 

The Problem with fast speaking ATC controllers:

Dealing with fast-talking ATC controllers can be challenging, but here are some strategies that can help:

• "Say Again" is Your Friend: Don't hesitate to say "Say again" or "Read back" if you miss any part of the transmission. It's better to ask for clarification than to misunderstand instructions.
• Focus on Key Information: Try to focus on the most critical information, such as clearances, altitudes, headings, and frequencies.
• Take Notes: If possible, jot down key instructions or frequencies on a notepad or checklist. This can help you avoid confusion later.
• Slow Down Yourself: Speak clearly and concisely yourself to avoid adding to the confusion.
• Deep Breaths: If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath to calm down and regain your composure.
• Practice: The more you practice communicating with ATC, the more comfortable you'll become with their pace and style.
• Understand Standard Phraseology: Familiarize yourself with standard aviation phraseology. This will help you understand and respond to ATC instructions more quickly.

Important Note: Remember that ATC controllers are under significant pressure and have a lot of traffic to manage. They are not trying to be difficult. Their primary goal is to maintain safety and efficiency in the airspace.

 

By using these strategies and maintaining a calm and professional demeanor, you can effectively communicate with even the fastest-talking ATC controllers.

 

Towered Airport Radio Communication Explained:

. Class Charlie Airspace:

• Entry: You generally only need to establish two-way radio communication with ATC before entering Class Charlie airspace.
• Communication:
  • Initial Contact: "Atlantic City Approach, Cessna Skyhawk N12345, 15 miles southeast at 3000, inbound for landing at Atlantic City."
  • ATC Response: "Cessna Skyhawk N12345, Atlantic City Approach, radar contact."
  • Subsequent Communications: Continue to monitor and communicate with Atlantic City Approach as directed.

2. Clearance Delivery: 

• Contact: "Atlantic City Clearance, Cessna Skyhawk N12345, ready to copy."
• Clearance: Clearance Delivery will provide you with: C.R.A.F.T.
  • Route: Your departure route (e.g., "Cleared as filed," or specific routing).
  • Altitude: Assigned altitude.
  • Frequency: Frequency to contact Departure Control.    
  • Transponder Code: Squawk code for your transponder.
• Acknowledge: "Cessna Skyhawk N12345, cleared as filed to XYZ via Victor 123 at 5000, squawk 5213, contact Atlantic City Departure on 124.6

3. Ground Control:

• Contact: "Atlantic City Ground, Cessna Skyhawk N12345, at the Signature ramp, ready to taxi to runway 31 with information Foxtrot."
• Taxi Instructions: Ground Control will provide taxi instructions, including taxiways, hold short points, and runway assignments.
• Acknowledge: "Cessna Skyhawk N12345, taxiing via Bravo to Runway 31, hold short of Runway 31."

4. Tower Control:

• Contact: "Atlantic City Tower, Cessna Skyhawk N12345, at Bravo, ready for VFR departure southbound with information Foxtrot."
• Departure Clearance: Tower will provide clearance for takeoff (e.g., "Cessna Skyhawk N12345, cleared for takeoff, Runway 31, contact Atlantic City Departure on 124.6".
• Acknowledge: "Cessna Skyhawk 12345, cleared for takeoff Runway 36 Right, squawk 1200, contact Atlanta Departure on 124.3, Cessna 12345."

5. Departure Control:

• Contact: "Atlanta Departure, Cessna Skyhawk 12345, with you at 5000 feet, Cessna Skyhawk 12345."
• Departure Instructions: Departure Control will provide instructions for departure, including climb instructions, headings, and any traffic advisories.
• Acknowledge: Acknowledge all instructions from Departure Control (e.g., "Cessna Skyhawk 12345, climbing to 8000 feet, Cessna skyhawk 12345.").

Key Principles:

• Listen Before Transmitting: Always listen carefully before transmitting to avoid interfering with other pilots or ATC.
• Be Concise: Keep your transmissions brief and to the point.
• Use Standard Phraseology: Adhere to standard aviation phraseology for clear and efficient communication.
• Acknowledge All Transmissions: Acknowledge all instructions from ATC to confirm understanding.
• Maintain Situational Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and the traffic around you.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and guidance only. Always refer to the applicable regulations and best practices for aviation radio communication.

 

Note: This is a simplified example. Actual procedures may vary depending on the specific airport and airspace.

 

 

 

Non-towered Airport Communication Explained:

 

Let's break down the steps for communicating at a non-towered (or uncontrolled) airport according to FAA guidelines. It's crucial to understand that while there's no tower, communication is essential for safety. These procedures help pilots establish situational awareness and avoid conflicts.

 

1. Before Departure (if applicable):

• Obtain Weather Information: Before flying to or from a non-towered airport, get the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS)/Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) if available, or other relevant weather information. This helps you plan your approach and anticipate conditions. You can often get this information via radio frequencies or online before you even leave.

2. Approaching the Airport:

• Monitor the CTAF/UNICOM: The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is the primary frequency for communicating at a non-towered airport. If a UNICOM (a service providing airport information) exists, it will usually share the CTAF. Start monitoring this frequency well in advance (at least 10 miles out) to get a sense of the traffic pattern and other aircraft in the area.

• Initial Call: When you're about 10 miles out, make your initial call. A standard format is:

  • "[Airport Name/Identifier] Traffic, [Your Aircraft Type] [Your Aircraft N-Number], 10 miles [Direction] of the airport, inbound for landing, [Intended Runway if known], [Your Intentions - e.g., full stop, touch and go]"

  • Example: "Ocean City Traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N223AB, 10 miles east of the airport, inbound for landing, runway 22, full stop."

• Listen and Observe: Actively listen for other aircraft already in the pattern or making their calls. Try to visually locate them. This builds your situational awareness.

3. Entering the Traffic Pattern:

• Determine the Active Runway: Based on the windsock or wind information you received, determine the active runway. If there's no windsock, observe other traffic. They will usually be using the most favorable runway.

• Announce Your Position: As you enter the traffic pattern (typically at a 45-degree angle to the downwind leg), announce your position.

  • Example: "Ocean City Traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N223AB, entering left downwind runway 22."

• Continue Position Reports: As you proceed through the pattern, make position reports at key points:

  • Downwind: "Ocean City Traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N223AB, left downwind runway 22."
  • Base: "Ocean City Traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N223AB, turning left base runway 22."
  • Final: "Ocean City Traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N223AB, final runway 22."

4. Landing and After Landing:

• Announce Your Landing: After landing, announce that you've landed and are exiting the runway.

  • Example: "Ocean City Traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N223AB, landed runway 22, exiting via taxiway Alpha."

• Monitor the Frequency: Continue to monitor the CTAF until you are clear of the airport environment. Other aircraft may be making calls.

5. Departing the Airport:

• Announce Your Intentions: Before taxiing onto the runway for departure, announce your intentions.

  • Example: "Ocean City Traffic, Cessna Skyhawk N223AB, departing runway 22, northbound."

• Monitor and Announce: Continue to monitor the CTAF and make position reports as you depart the area.

Key Considerations:

• Be Concise and Clear: Keep your radio calls brief and to the point. Use standard phraseology.
• Listen Carefully: Active listening is paramount. You need to hear what other aircraft are doing.
• Situational Awareness: Constantly scan for other aircraft, both visually and aurally.
• No Tower, Shared Responsibility: At a non-towered airport, everyone is responsible for their own safety and for communicating their intentions.
• Uncertainty: If you are unsure about anything, don't hesitate to ask another pilot or consult airport information.

 

Important Note: This is a general overview. Always consult the FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and other official publications for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Regulations can change, and it's your responsibility as a pilot to be aware of them. Flight instruction with a certified flight instructor (CFI) is essential for learning and practicing these procedures safely.

 

 

 

 

VFR Flight Following:

 

VFR flight following is a fantastic service offered by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to pilots flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). It's like having an extra set of eyes in the sky, enhancing safety and situational awareness. Here's a breakdown of what you should know about VFR flight following, as per FAA rules:

 

What is VFR Flight Following?

• It's a service provided by ATC where they radar identify your aircraft and provide traffic advisories, workload permitting.
• Think of it as a "radar assist" for VFR flights. ATC will point out other aircraft that might be a factor, helping you to "see and avoid" them more effectively.
• It's not mandatory, but highly recommended, especially for longer flights, flights in busy airspace, or when you're unfamiliar with the area.

Benefits of VFR Flight Following:

• Enhanced Safety: Traffic advisories help you avoid potential collisions with other aircraft.
• Situational Awareness: ATC can provide information about weather, airspace restrictions, and other relevant factors along your route.
• Emergency Assistance: In case of an emergency, ATC can assist with navigation, provide vectors to the nearest airport, and coordinate with emergency services.
• Workload Management: ATC can help you navigate around congested areas or provide information that might reduce your workload.
• Practice: It's a great way to gain experience communicating with ATC, which is a valuable skill for any pilot.

How to Request VFR Flight Following:

• On the Ground: At a towered airport, you can request it from Ground Control or Clearance Delivery.
• In the Air: Contact the appropriate Approach Control or Center frequency. Provide your aircraft type, location, altitude, and destination.
• Example: "Miami Approach, Cessna Skyhawk, N223AB, over the Fort Lauderdale VOR at 3,500 feet, en route to Naples, request flight following."

What to Expect:

• Squawk Code: ATC will assign you a unique transponder code (not 1200).
• Radar Contact: Once they have you on radar, they'll let you know.
• Traffic Advisories: ATC will provide information about other aircraft in your vicinity.
• Hand-offs: As you fly, ATC may "hand you off" to different controllers and frequencies.
• Maintain VFR: Remember, flight following doesn't relieve you of your responsibility to "see and avoid" other aircraft and maintain VFR conditions.

Key Considerations:

• Workload Permitting: ATC's primary responsibility is separating IFR traffic. Flight following is provided on a workload-permitting basis.
• Pilot Responsibility: You are still the Pilot in Command. You are responsible for your own navigation, decision-making, and maintaining VFR.
• Communication: Be clear and concise in your radio calls. Listen carefully to ATC instructions.
• Situational Awareness: Don't rely solely on ATC. Continue to scan for traffic and maintain your own situational awareness.

Important Notes:

• VFR flight following is not available everywhere. It depends on radar coverage and ATC workload.
• Always consult the FAA's Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and other official publications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

 

By understanding and utilizing VFR flight following, you can significantly enhance the safety and efficiency of your VFR flights. It's a valuable tool that every VFR pilot should be familiar with.

 

In Flight Emergencies:

 

 

Tips from the Trenches: 

• Listen Actively: Pay close attention to ATC instructions and frequencies, write down frequencies and instructions.
• Be Polite and Professional: "Thank you" and "Roger" go a long way.
• Avoid Unnecessary Chatter: Keep your transmissions brief and to the point.
• Know Your Aircraft's Performance: Be prepared to answer questions about your speed, altitude, and intended flight path.
• Don't Hesitate to Ask Questions: If you're unsure about something, ask for clarification.

Flying in Class Charlie and Bravo can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be scary. By following these guidelines and practicing clear communication, you can confidently navigate these complex airspace environments. Remember, the goal is always a safe and enjoyable flight.

 

"This article was generated using Gemini AI and then reviewed and edited by Lou DiVentura"

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance. Always refer to the appropriate Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) and consult with your flight instructor for specific airspace procedures.

 

I hope this helps! Fly safe!

-Your Friendly Neighborhood CFI

 

Lou DiVentura CFI

 

P.S. If you're looking to brush up on your radio communication skills, consider a ground refresher course. It can significantly improve your confidence and safety in the air.