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Some Reader Feedback on ‘Over and Out’

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article questions the common phrase "Over and Out," generally deeming it inappropriate, despite some readers suggesting niche uses for "Over" followed by "Out."
  • It identifies several valid situations for using "Out" alone, such as terminating radar services in VFR flight or politely concluding lengthy Flight Service conversations.
  • The piece strongly criticizes the incorrect radio phraseology "any traffic in the area, please advise," advising pilots to assume non-radio aircraft and communicate proactively rather than relying on others to respond.
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Several readers responded to my posting last week on the phrase “Over and Out.” Brian Long suggested that “Over and Out” could be appropriate, after all. For instance, Brian suggests, when the conversation is ready to end: “Both parties should sign off, so the first party provides ‘(callsign) over and out’ to indicate his/her signing off and waiting for the second party to sign off. The second party then only needs ‘(callsign) out.'” “Over and out” from the first party means “over: to you for a response,” and “out” means, “and after I hear it, I’ll be gone.”

Maybe, but I’m not convinced.

Mark Phelps

Mark Phelps is a senior editor at AVweb. He is an instrument rated private pilot and former owner of a Grumman American AA1B and a V-tail Bonanza.

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