ATC Communications and Basic Phrases | Talking to Air Traffic Control

Summary

In this video, Nathan from ThrustFlight provides valuable guidance for new pilots struggling with radio communications. He covers key Air Traffic Control (ATC) phrases every student pilot should know, including terms like 'Wilco,' 'Roger,' 'Line up and wait,' and 'Squawk VFR.' Through clear examples, Nathan explains the meaning behind each phrase and how to respond appropriately, ensuring pilots can navigate airport communications confidently. This video also emphasizes the importance of understanding situational awareness and suggests reviewing resources like the Pilot Controller Glossary for further learning. Perfect for those looking to enhance their radio communication skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wilco means 'will comply'—it confirms that the pilot has received, understood, and will follow ATC instructions.
• 😀 Roger is used to acknowledge that the last ATC transmission was received but should never answer a yes/no question. For those, use 'affirmative' or 'negative.'
• 😀 'Line up and wait' means taxiing onto the runway and waiting for clearance before taking off, not to be confused with being cleared for takeoff.
• 😀 ATC uses clock positions (e.g., 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock) to describe traffic locations. If you see the traffic, respond with 'Traffic in sight.'
• 😀 Landing sequence may involve multiple aircraft being cleared to land in a specific order. Always stay aware of your position in the sequence.
• 😀 A proper takeoff call should include your aircraft's ID, location, and intended departure route to give ATC enough information to proceed.
• 😀 When told to 'Exit the runway and contact ground,' be sure to follow the instructions to exit safely and contact ground for taxi clearance.
• 😀 'Monitor Ground' means listen to the ground frequency for instructions but do not check in unless needed.
• 😀 'Resume own navigation' tells pilots that ATC is no longer guiding their course, and they are responsible for navigation.
• 😀 'Squawk VFR' means setting your transponder to 1200, signaling that you're flying under Visual Flight Rules and are no longer under radar control.

Q & A

What does the term 'Wilco' mean when used by a pilot?

The term 'Wilco' is short for 'will comply.' It means the pilot has received and understood the instructions from Air Traffic Control (ATC) and will follow them. It's good practice to repeat the instructions to ensure clarity.

Can 'Roger' be used as a response to a yes or no question from ATC?

'Roger' should not be used to answer yes or no questions. Instead, pilots should respond with 'affirmative' for yes and 'negative' for no. 'Roger' only acknowledges receipt of ATC's last transmission.

What does 'Line Up and Wait' mean for a pilot?

'Line Up and Wait' means the pilot should taxi the aircraft onto the runway but wait for further clearance before taking off. It does not authorize the pilot to take off immediately.

How should a pilot respond to a traffic call from ATC?

When ATC issues a traffic call, the pilot should look for the other aircraft in the position described (e.g., '12 o’clock, 4 miles'). If the pilot visually sees the aircraft, they should respond with 'traffic in sight.' If they do not see the aircraft, they should respond with 'negative contact.'

What is meant by 'Landing Sequence' when ATC clears multiple aircraft to land?

When ATC clears multiple aircraft to land, they assign each a position in the sequence. For example, if a pilot is told 'cleared to land runway 18, number three,' it means they are the third aircraft to land after two others.

What information should a pilot include in a proper takeoff call to ATC?

In a proper takeoff call, the pilot should clearly state their aircraft identification, current location (e.g., 'holding short runway 15 at Alpha'), and intended departure type (e.g., 'VFR eastbound'). This helps ATC manage traffic and ensure safety.

What should a pilot do when instructed to 'Exit the runway and contact ground'?

When instructed to 'Exit the runway and contact ground,' the pilot should taxi off the runway at the specified exit point, stop safely, and then contact ground control for further taxi instructions.

What does 'Resume Own Navigation' (Own Nav) mean?

'Resume Own Navigation' tells the pilot that ATC will no longer provide navigational guidance, and the pilot is responsible for navigating to their destination or the next waypoint on their flight plan.

What does 'Hold Short' mean in the context of airport operations?

'Hold Short' means the pilot should stop their aircraft before reaching a specific location, such as a runway or taxiway, and wait for further clearance from ATC before proceeding.

What is the significance of squawking VFR (1200)?

Squawking VFR (code 1200) indicates that the aircraft is operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and is no longer receiving flight following or separation services from ATC. It’s a way for ATC to identify VFR flights that aren't under active radar control.