Flight School: Radio Reassurance

Pia Bergqvist

Monday, November 28, 2011 at 07:02 PM ET

Verified

** Instructors who follow these tips can help
give their students an edge when it comes
to radio communications.**

Key Takeaways:

Instructors should provide students with structured resources like written communication examples, laminated reference cards, and opportunities to listen to live ATC transmissions to familiarize them with procedures.
To reduce anxiety, demystify air traffic controllers by explaining their helpful and supportive role, emphasizing they are regular people, and even arranging tower visits for students.
Implement progressive practice methods such as "in the blind" calls, full-motion simulator training, and pre-flight role-playing, while fostering a supportive environment where instructors back up students and encourage them to identify as "student pilots."

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What can an instructor do to help ease the anxiety of a student pilot who is having trouble with talking on the radio?

Tim Busch has been involved in aviation education for more than 20 years. He is a Master CFI and the president of Iowa Flight Training. A self-proclaimed aviation evangelist, Busch is also the president of the nonprofit Iowa Aviation Promotion Group (flyiowa.org) and an FAA FAASTeam representative. He says: