How to Communicate With an Air Traffic Control Tower

The main job of the air traffic control (ATC) system is to make sure that aircraft in and around a tower are safe and separated from each other. One of your most important tasks as a pilot is to properly communicate with ATC. You can gain an understanding of good radio communication by correctly following procedures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Prepare a flight plan. Include your planned route, alternative airports you can use, and the amount of weight and fuel on board your plane. Private aircraft aren't always required to file a flight plan. Having one is a part of good piloting and helps you communicate with ATC throughout your flight.

2. Set your radio to the VHF frequency given by your air traffic controller. ATC and pilots use frequencies between 118 and 136 megahertz. When your controller hands you off to another controller, he should give you a new frequency.

3. Determine your position before you contact ATC. If you're on the ground, you should make your first call after you've prepared the flight plan, done a preflight inspection, and are in the cockpit. Call ATC Ground Control, give them your aircraft number and your position, and request permission to taxi to a runway. If you're in the air, determine how far you are from the airport, your bearing relative to the tower, and notify the tower when you enter its airspace. Follow the ATC instructions to adjust your altitude and enter the flight pattern.

4. Learn the information needed to communicate usefully with the tower. You should know the current Automated Terminal Information Service (ATIS) information and put the ATIS frequency on your standby radio so you can hear the recorded information. Write down the frequency you'll be handed to when your controller provides it.

5. Contact the ATC tower. State who (what airport) you're calling, your call sign (tail number), where you are and what you want. Organize your information, and speak calmly and clearly.

6. Repeat back the information ATC gives you. You and ATC should be clear about exactly what you're about to do, and you should understand what you have permission to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Memorize your call sign and listen for similar call signs in ATC communications to be certain you don't get confused. Your call sign is your plane's make and N-number (tail number). For example, if you fly a Mooney and your tail number is JP790F, you'll identify yourself as Mooney Juliet Papa Seven Niner One Foxtrot. The tower may call you back as Mooney Niner One Foxtrot, shortening your name. That tells you there aren't any similar call signs in the area and also shortens your communications.
• Be prepared before you talk to ATC. Practice what you should say and speak clearly. Keep your contact brief and concise. ATC doesn't have time to chat.
• Listen to the controller, and respond when you hear your call sign. It can put your aircraft and others in danger, and annoy the controller, if he has to contact you more than once with the same information.
• Use the word "departure" instead of "takeoff." Tell ground control that you are ready for departure. After ground control gives you permission to taxi to a runway, ATC takes over and gives you permission to take off from that runway when it's safe for you to do so. Then you may say "takeoff."
• Be aware of other aircraft in the area. ATC may not mention them if they think you are in no danger from them, or are at a safe distance and different altitude from them. You need to train your eyes to see and identify other aircraft.
• Take time to visit the ATC tower nearest to your home. Watch what they do and how they do it. This should improve your ability to communicate with them when you're in the air.

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