FAA Safety Briefing Editor, general aviation pilot, and flight instructor Susan K. Parson recently published a list called Rules for the Radio that spells out some proper and incorrect radio etiquette when communicating with air traffic controllers. These tips are suitable for seasoned pilots as a refresher, but are incredibly valuable for student pilots or those with low time who struggle with ATC communications when flying in or near busy Class Alpha, Bravo or Charlie airspace.
FAA Offers “No-Go On the Radio” Comm Tips
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots should adhere to standardized "Plane English" phraseology, prioritize brevity, and think before transmitting to ensure clear and professional ATC communication.
- Effective radio use requires listening before speaking to avoid conflicts, and clearly indicating when instructions are unclear ("say again") or cannot be complied with ("unable").
- Crucially, pilots must not hesitate to declare emergencies or ask for assistance from ATC when safety is compromised.
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