Lesson Overview

The student should develop knowledge of the elements related to radio communications and ATC light signals as described in the ACS/PTS.

References : Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C, page(s) 14-24), Airmans Information Manual (section(s) 4-2)

Key Elements

  1. Understanding

  2. Who, Where, What

  3. Plan Ahead
Elements

  1. Selection and Use of Appropriate Frequencies

  2. Procedure and Phraseology for Radio Communications

  3. ATC Clearance and Instructions

  4. ATC Light Signals
Schedule

  1. Discuss Objectives

  2. Review material

  3. Development

  4. Conclusion
Equipment

  1. White board and markers

  2. References
IP Actions

  1. Discuss lesson objectives

  2. Present Lecture

  3. Ask and Answer Questions

  4. Assign homework
SP Actions

  1. Participate in discussion

  2. Take notes

  3. Ask and respond to questions
Completion Standards

The student can properly use the radios through a flight of any kind. The student understands proper procedures, phraseology, clearances, and light signals.

Instructor Notes

Attention

Everyone wants to sound like a real, professional pilot. This lesson will explain how we do that and make us more professional pilots.
Overview

Review Objectives and Elements/Key ideas
What

Radio communication is the communication between the pilot and different ATC controllers throughout the phases of a flight.
Why

Operating in and out of a controlled airport, as well as in a good portion of the airspace system, requires an aircraft have two-way radio communications. For this reason, a pilot should be knowledgeable of radio procedures. Radio communications is a critical link in the ATC system. By understanding proper radio communication procedures, the link can be strong providing safer flying for everyone.

Lesson Details

Radio communications is a critical skill to master for large areas of the National Airspace System. The first thing to know is how to find which frequencies to use. This starts in preflight planning where expected frequencies for facilities that may be used during the flight should be looked up and noted. There are many sources of this information such as the chart supplement, sectional charts, and other. Put all this information in the flight planning log, preferably in the order in which the facilities will be encountered. There are a few rules of thumb such as the common placement of "ground" on 121 point something. So when told "contact ground on .8" what is meant is to use the frequency 121.8.

During flight frequencies may need to be looked up, which is where good cockpit organization is a benefit. Keep the cockpit orderly and know where the needed references can be found. The chart supplement will contain all the needed frequencies around a given airport.

Charts provide frequencies as you navigate, including data in communications boxes, tower/CTAF, Unicom, and weather frequencies. VOR frequencies in blue outlined boxes. Some, but not all, radar approach frequencies are provided on charts. For the full list of frequencies see the chart supplement.

When contacting a facility know who you are speaking with, and what you want to say. Remember that the button is a "push to talk" not a "push to think" button. Once in contact with controllers frequencies will be provided to reach further controllers.

Common Errors

  1. Inadequate planning, misreading/mishearing frequencies, or mis-tuning the radio

  2. Failure to double check and read frequencies out loud

  3. Failure to repeat frequencies when instructed to change

  4. Failure to monitor the frequency before transmitting

Procedure and Phraseology for Radio Communications

Understanding what is communicated is the single most important aspect of pilot-controller communications. To facilitate understanding phraseology is highly standardized. It is essential for pilots to acknowledge each radio call with ATC to ensure that the message was received. Brevity is desired, but always use whatever words are necessary to communicate. Good phraseology is the mark of a professional pilot, and the AIM contains valuable information on the subject.

One item to note is that learning to use the radio, from a mechanical/operational perspective, can require training in its own right. In particular the audio panel can prove to be confusing to new pilots. It is important to learn the specific details of the operation of the equipment in each individual aircraft.

Radio Technique

Always first LISTEN before transmitting. THINK before transmitting, and know what you are going to say before you say it. Write it down if needed. After transmitting, if there isn’t an immediate response, understand that the controller may be busy and will get back to you when able.

However, be alert to sounds (or lack thereof) in your radio. Silence may be a hint that the ratio is mis-tuned, or that some other failure has occurred. If silent check the frequency tuned, the volume, and verify that the radio is not stuck in a transmit mode. Remember that VHF is a line-of-sight technology and insure that the facility being contacted is within range (and that altitude can greatly increase range).

Structure of a Radio Call

The standardization of radio phraseology is such that almost all radio calls fall into the following structure.

  1. Whom you are calling (eg. Atlanta Center)

  2. Who you are (eg. Cessna N68762)

  3. Where you are (eg. 10 miles north of KTTA)

  4. What you want to do (eg. Request flight following …​)

ATC Clearances and Instructions

All ATC clearances should be acknowledged by repeating key points followed by the aircraft call sign. All hold short instructions MUST be read back to the controller. Always repeat altitudes, headings, and altimeter settings (basically all numbers given). When advised to change frequencies acknowledge the change and do so ASAP.

If a transmission is blocked, or otherwise there is some failure to understand the transmission, do not guess. Ask the controller to "Say Again". Once a clearance or instruction is given, the pilot can not deviate from it without further instruction (91.123). If the pilot can not comply with an instruction tell ATC "Unable" and obtain a new clearance. Saying "Unable" is legitimate as the PIC is the ultimate authority as to the operation of the aircraft. That said, do not say "Unable" capriciously.

Light Gun Signals

In the event of a radio failure, or when flying an aircraft with no radio installed or available, it is possible to communicate with ATC by use of light gun signals. Coordinate this with ATC in advance if possible.

Light Gun Signals

Arriving Aircraft

When a failure is suspected first perform some basic troubleshooting. Check that the volume is turned up. Try other frequencies to determine if the failure is of the aircraft radio. If there is a transmit indicator note whether it is indicating transmissions or not.

In the event of a transmitter failure, indicated by the ability to receive calls but receiving no respond to transmissions, there are standard steps to address the situation. Determine the direction and flow of aircraft and enter the pattern looking for light signals. Acknowledge light signals by rocking wings during the day, and flashing lights as night. After landing contact the tower to advise them of the situation.

If you can hear ATC they will ask for an acknowledgment by use of the transponder IDENT button. If that is possible, light gun signals may not be needed. Make all normal radio calls just in case.

In the event of a receiver failure transmit in the blind informing the tower of the aircraft position, situation (including the suspected radio failure), and intention to land. Once again determine the flow of aircraft and enter the pattern looking for light gun signals. Acknowledge the signals as indicated above, and after landing contact the tower.

In the event of both transmitter and receiver failure, follow the same steps as above (i.e. determine the flow, watch for signals, and contact the tower upon landing).

Departing Aircraft

First, try to fix any failure before departing. If it can’t be fixed contact the tower and arrange to depart without two-way communication. If authorized departure information will be given including a request to look for light signals.

During daylight acknowledge transmission by promptly executing the action requested. If able, also rock wings/blink lights. If the radio fails after departing the ramp watch for light signals/monitor ground and return to the ramp.

Common Errors

  • Use of improper frequencies

  • Improper procedure and phraseology for radio communications

  • Failure to acknowledge or properly comply with, ATC clearances and instructions

  • Failure to understand or properly comply with ATC light signals

  • Failure to think before transmitting

  • Failure to understand the controller may be busy

Conclusion

Proper radio communications begin with understanding. As long as you, the pilot, and the controller understand what each other are saying radio communication is effective and clearances can be obeyed properly.

ACS Requirements

To determine that the applicant:

  1. Exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements of radio communications and ATC light signals by describing:

    1. Selection and use of appropriate radio frequencies.

    2. Recommended procedure and phraseology for radio communications.

    3. Receipt of, acknowledgement of, and compliance with ATC clearances and instructions.

    4. Interpretation of, and compliance with, ATC light signals.

  2. Exhibits instructional knowledge of common errors related to radio communications and ATC light signals by describing:

    1. Use of improper frequencies.

    2. Improper procedure and phraseology when using radio communications, such as neglecting to state the aircraft call sign/N number, and at non-towered airports, failure to state position, runway for takeoff, and the airport of operation.

    3. Failure to acknowledge, or properly comply with, ATC clearances and instructions.

    4. Failure to understand, or to properly comply with, ATC light signals.

  3. Demonstrates and simultaneously explains radio communication procedures from an instructional standpoint.

  4. Analyzes and corrects simulated common errors related to radio communications and ATC light signals.