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Air Traffic Control Communications: A Beginner's Guide for Successful Communication

Learn the essentials of air traffic control communication and terminology for beginner pilots flying in the Truckee/Reno area. Understand how to effectively communicate with ground control and tower control, how to handle inbound communications, and the importance of precise radio communications. Discover key radio communication techniques and phraseology to ensure safe and efficient flights.

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Air Traffic Control Communications: A Beginner's Guide for Successful Communication

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  1. Air Traffic Control Communications A guide to successful communication between ATC and the beginner pilot.

  2. Definitions • What really is ATC? The FAR/AIM defines Air traffic control as: a service operated by appropriate authority to promote the safe, orderly, and expeditious flow of air traffic. The FAR/AIM defines Air traffic as: aircraft operating in the air or on an airport surface, exclusive of loading ramps and parking areas.

  3. Reality Check • What is there to be afraid of? You may be afraid that you will say words incorrectly, or get in trouble. You might fear appearing like a beginner. Reality check! You are a beginner! Its okay. Come to the realization now that you are going to make mistakes. The purpose of this presentation is to ease your worries and give you a better understanding of the world of ATC with respect to the TRUCKEE/RENO vicinity.

  4. The Truckee Control Tower • The control tower has two different frequencies that you will communicate on. Those frequencies are monitored by TWO different areas of the tower: -Ground Control 118.3 -Tower Control 120.575

  5. Ground Control • Ground control is monitored by people in the tower. They are looking out the windows and can watch you as you taxi. • They exercise jurisdiction over the taxiway and all areas prior to the runway. • You must get clearance to taxi, you receive this on the ground frequency. • Here at Truckee, ground is 118.3

  6. Tower Control • Tower control is monitored by people in the same room as the ground control. They are in the top of the tower and can watch you as you take off and land. • Tower has jurisdiction over each runway and the vicinity of the traffic pattern. • You must get permission to take off and land on their pavement. These are the people that allow you to do that. • Here at Truckee, tower is 120.575

  7. Returning Inbound • Inbound communications are a little easier. They tell you who to contact, and when. Coming inbound from the flight area, contact Truckee Tower when you are no less than 5 miles out (AIM 4-3-2). Tower will clear you to land, and prompt you to exit the runway and contact ground. You will receive a taxi clearance, and Ground control will follow you to your ramp.

  8. Examples (From the east flight area to Frog Pond) • You contact tower. You will tell tower the following information: Who you are, how you are intending to enter the traffic pattern, and what type of landing you want. Example: “Truckee tower, Glider 1PS is at the Frog Pond 7,500 entering left downwind for 20,” or Truckee tower, Glider 1PS is 5 miles NE at 7,500 entering left downwind for 20 You must get a landing clearance from tower.

  9. New words? • The hold short line is one of the most critical lines to Air traffic control. Past that line you enter tower’s area and you have taxied onto an active runway. • If you recall, you contact tower just prior to the hold short line to let them know that you are ready for departure. • All airport markings are standardized. Therefore, it will always look like this:

  10. Fields Before we can discuss the radio calls you need to make, you must understand the terms that you would be using while communicating. At uncontrolled fields you must state which part of the traffic pattern you are on. There are five different legs of the traffic pattern: Upwind Crosswind Downwind Base Final

  11. AIM – Section 2: Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques The AIM suggests that, “the single, most important thought in pilot controller communications is understanding.” Please keep all radio communications, brief, and concise. In addition, “maintain vigilance in monitoring air traffic control radio communications frequencies for potential traffic conflicts with aircraft.” The AIM suggests reference the Pilot/Controller Glossary to help learn the definitions of particular words or phrases.

  12. AIM – Section 2: Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques • AIM 4-2-2 Radio Technique: 1)“Listen before you transmit” Be careful not to communicate over another person who is mid-communication. Pause and listen before you speak 2) “Think before keying your transmitter” Have an idea of what you would like to say, particularly if it is especially long 3) Check your microphone Speak normally, but keep your mike close to your mouth. 4) “Be alert to the sounds, or the lack of sounds in your receiver.” Check to make sure your microphone is not stuck, thus transmitting your every word for extended periods of time. 5) Make sure you are within radio range of the frequency you are attempting to transmit on.

  13. AIM – Section 2: Radio Communications Phraseology and Techniques • When it comes time to your first solo (or the many solos thereafter), feel free to add the phrase “student pilot” to your call sign. This will give the controller knowledge of your situation, and they will provide you with special consideration. “This special identification will alert FAA ATC personnel and enable them to provide student pilots with such extra assistance and consideration as they may need.” (AIM 4-2-7)

  14. Phonetic Alphabet • If you’re not familiar with the phonetic alphabet you need to be. Please reference it on the next slide. “Pilots should use the phonetic alphabet when identifying their aircraft during initial contact with air traffic control facilities. Additionally, use the phonetic equivalents for single letters and to spell out groups of letter or difficult words during adverse communications conditions.” (AIM 4-2-7)

  15. Phonetic Alphabet The phonetic alphabet, along with Morse code identifications, can be found in table 4-2-2 of the AIM.

  16. Transponder • The transponder has four distinct codes that have specific meanings: -1202 = basic VFR flight (Gliders) -7500 = hijacking -7600 = lost communications -7700 = general emergency

  17. Common Warnings • Radio communications are vitally important, but they cannot replace a good scan, and visual awareness for other aircraft traffic. • In addition, do not get caught up in communicating with others, when you should be flying the plane. Follow the common saying: • Aviate • Navigate • Communicate

  18. Common Warnings • Remember ATC controllers are people too, they do make mistakes. If you are questioning ATC instructions, simply ask them for confirmation or to clarify. It is a possibility that you received incorrect directions, or misinterpreted the situation. • Don’t ever hesitate to ASK!

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